Colorado Avalanche fans are eagerly awaiting the return to play of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who continues his fitness by training more and more regularly.
As he has done several times in recent months, the Swede took part in the warm-up before training on Thursday. However, he remained on the ice for the exercises, which he continued with his teammates.
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Landeskog is sidelined due to a cartilage transplant in his right knee, a serious operation that usually leads to early retirement from sports. His last game in the National Hockey League dates back to the spring of 2022.
“He feels good,” said head coach Jared Bednar at a press briefing. He is starting to feel very confident with this process. He’s getting better and better on the ice. There is no real change in our approach. He will continue to work until he can join the group on a regular basis.”
The 32-year-old forward is on track to miss a third full season. The Avalanche staff will therefore remain very cautious so as not to precipitate a possible return.
Landeskog’s presence in training is nevertheless good news for his teammates.
“It’s really good. It can’t hurt. The guys all know about Landy’s fitness process. He regularly makes efforts to return to the team. […] It adds a little to the optimism of a possible return. It gives us a little more energy on game days,” Bednar said.
Colorado, which faces the Buffalo Sabers in the evening, will then receive a visit from the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.
