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Gabriel Landeskog making the most of his second chance at NHL

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is not taking anything for granted during his second NHL life.
ByNestor Quixtan
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Oct 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche left winger Gabriel Landeskog (92) warms up before the game against the St. Louis Blues at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Oct 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche left winger Gabriel Landeskog (92) warms up before the game against the St. Louis Blues at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is doing his best to make the most of his second chance at the NHL.

We all know about the terrible injury that sidelined the Cap for three seasons. His triumphant return during the 2025 NHL playoffs was just a precursor to what was a successful full season last year, injury issues notwithstanding.

Since returning, Landeskog has proven that he’s not taking anything for granted. If anything, he’s grateful for the opportunity he’s gotten to keep his pro hockey career alive.

That’s the message he conveyed during a recent interview on NHL Network. The 33-year-old spoke to EJ Hradek, leaving no doubt that he’s looking to enjoy every second of his tenure with the Avalanche.

“I loved every part of it, the travel, the dinners on the road that we always talk about, the team parties, the flights, the practices, all of it... One day, we take it for granted, but I’ve gotten this almost second chance at it, and I try to spread that to my teammates. I try to tell them ‘you’re gonna miss it one day’…”

He’s right. There will come a day when the NHL journey will end for him. But when that happens, it will he’ll walk away from the game with no regrets.

Leaving everything on the ice is what defines Gabriel Landeskog

Getting one shot at the NHL is one thing. Getting two chances, especially after such a long time away from the game, is something that Gabriel Landeskog is not taking for granted.

The Avalanche captain knows that the runway has an end. And when he comes to it, he wants fans to know he gave it everything he had.

“I’m excited about the off-season that I’ve had, and I’m excited about feeling fresh, and I feel physically even that much better. …Understanding that there is gonna become a day where there’s no more hockey fuels me, and knowing that there's nothing to save it for, just go out there and play your heart out, and then we’ll see where we end up.”

There is no question that Landeskog has given everything his mind and body have to offer to the Avalanche, the fans, and the game.

As Landeskog pointed out, there has been a personal cost in being away from his family. But at the end of the day, he can feel satisfied knowing that, when everything is said and done, there won’t be any regrets about “saving” anything for another day.

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