Gabriel Landeskog’s career remains on hold since the Stanley Cup Final in 2022. In fact, since the conclusion of Game 6 of the final series, the 32-year-old Swede has not put on his skates again for a clash in the League National Hockey League (NHL).
At the dawn of the 2024-2025 season, questions persisted about his possible return or, at the very least, the date on which he could resume competition. The most optimistic speculations suggested a return for the start of the campaign, while others counted on November. On the other hand, neither of these two speculations turned out to be good. 2024 has passed without him stepping on the ice, leaving serious doubt about the rest of his career.
However, on Thursday, during a Colorado Avalanche practice, the captain – who has not played a game since June 26, 2022 – reconnected with his teammates on the ice. He completed a few laps of the track, looking comfortable despite more than two years of inactivity.
Although this appearance does not constitute confirmation of an official return, it offers a glimmer of hope for the Denver team.
When Landeskog is healthy, he is a valuable asset for the Avs thanks to his natural leadership and offensive productivity. His possible return would represent a major reinforcement for Jared Bednar and his team, in search of a new conquest after their triumph in 2022. Since Landy is on the sidelines, the club has not made it past the second round of the playoffs. While the troop is currently experiencing very good times, the presence of number 92 could help extend this solid streak.
Since the return of Valeri Nichushkin in mid-November, the Avalanche have been in brilliant form. In 21 games, the team led by Nathan MacKinnon recorded 14 victories for a total of 28 points, the second best performance in the NHL over this period. Artturi Lehkonen and Jonathan Drouin, other key elements of the top-6have also returned to play since November 15, thus consolidating Colorado’s rise to power.
