Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog recently made his return to professional hockey after nearly three years, playing for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles as part of a conditioning stint. His comeback follows multiple knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant in May 2023, which had raised doubts about his ability to return to competitive play.
Landeskog played his first game on Friday, logging just under 15 minutes across 15 shifts during the Eagles’ 2-0 win against the Henderson Silver Knights. He registered two shots on goal and a minor penalty. Reflecting on his performance, Landeskog expressed excitement about being back but admitted his conditioning needs improvement. “Physically, I feel great… My knee feels great. I’m just tired. We’re going to work on that,” he said.
This milestone marks Landeskog’s first game since Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, where he helped the Avalanche secure their third championship. The road to recovery has been challenging for the 32-year-old forward, who faced setbacks and uncertainty during his rehabilitation.
Landeskog’s return has energized both the Avalanche organization and fans. His teammates, including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, were present at the game to support him. The Eagles celebrated his comeback with a locker room beer shower, showcasing the excitement surrounding his return.
While Landeskog remains on long-term injured reserve, he could be activated for the NHL playoffs starting April 19. His performance during this conditioning stint will determine whether he can rejoin the Avalanche lineup for their postseason run.
