Colorado Avalanche fans have waited nearly two years to see their captain back in game action, and while there’s still no firm return date, the buzz around Gabriel Landeskog’s comeback is growing louder — and it’s coming straight from head coach Jared Bednar.
Landeskog, who last suited up on June 26, 2022, when the Avalanche lifted the Stanley Cup, was recently sent down to the Colorado Eagles for a conditioning stint. He practiced with the AHL squad this past Wednesday — a move that signals a crucial step in his long road to recovery after undergoing major knee surgery in May 2023.
“When he says he’s ready to play, he’s gonna play,” Bednar told Colorado Hockey Now’s Aarif Deen. That comment alone was enough to send a wave of hope through Avalanche Nation.
Cautious Optimism from Bednar
Despite Landeskog’s encouraging presence on the ice, Bednar made it clear the process is still very much day-to-day.
“It’s really hard to say [when he’ll play again], but things are going great and it’s certainly nice to have him back on the ice with our team,” Bednar said. “Just the energy and sort of attitude that he brings to the ice, I think, helps everybody.”
That energy is something the Avalanche haven’t truly had since their 2022 championship run, where Landeskog racked up 22 playoff points in just 20 games. His leadership and locker room presence have been sorely missed, even as the Avs continue to push for another deep playoff run.
A Long Recovery Road Still in Motion
The 31-year-old forward has been ramping up his on-ice workload over the past few weeks. He skated with the Avalanche on March 17 and has continued traveling with the team. Still, he’s officially been on long-term injured reserve since last season.
Bednar confirmed Landeskog has been gradually increasing both the frequency and intensity of his training.
“He’s ramped up his days on the ice, the workload in those days,” Bednar said earlier this week. “Then we just wait for the next day and re-evaluate and see how he responds. Then we make a plan from there.”
In other words — progress, yes. But no rush.
A Veteran Presence the Avalanche Desperately Want Back
With 738 regular-season games under his belt — including 248 goals and 323 assists — Landeskog isn’t just a player; he’s a pillar of the franchise. And in the playoffs, he’s been just as vital, putting up 67 points in 69 career postseason appearances. That kind of production doesn’t grow on trees, and the Avalanche know it.
This season, Colorado sits third in the Central Division with a 48-27-4 record, and they’re playoff-bound for the eighth straight year. But if they want to make another deep run, having their captain back on the ice could be a game-changer.
“He’s looking good; I thought he looked great in practice today,” Bednar said in March. “Obviously, just like sort of the flow-and-go noncontact stuff. Certainly, [it’s] nice to have him out there.”
Even if he’s not cleared for full contact yet, just skating again is a big deal — especially for a player who’s endured such a long absence. And Bednar didn’t downplay the importance of these small victories.
“He’s making strides. Obviously feeling comfortable enough to come out and join the team with certain drills. So, hopefully that continues and continues to grow and [he’s] working to a point of a return.”
Playoff Dreams with Their Captain?
The Avalanche aren’t putting a deadline on Landeskog’s return, and maybe that’s for the best. Pushing a player of his stature back into the lineup before he’s 100% could be risky — especially with a knee as important (and fragile) as his.
Still, with the playoffs on the horizon, the thought of Landeskog rejoining the squad even in a limited role is tantalizing for fans — and probably a nightmare for opposing teams.
“He’s gonna play when he’s ready,” Bednar emphasized. That honesty may not satisfy fans hungry for a specific date, but it shows the franchise’s commitment to doing this the right way.
So for now, Avalanche fans can only watch, wait, and hope. But one thing is clear: the captain is getting closer.
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