In what could be a major boost for the Colorado Avalanche, head coach Jared Bednar has hinted at the possible return of Gabriel Landeskog to the lineup at the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign. The 31-year-old forward has been sidelined since the team’s Stanley Cup victory in 2021-22 due to injuries that required surgeries on his quadriceps and knee.
“He’s trying to make a return here sometime near the start of the season and if that goes well, it would be a really big boost for us,” Bednar shared with Tom Gulitti of NHL.com. “So, that’s something we’re all a little anxious about, but really excited about as well. He hasn’t played for us in two years.”
While there is no firm timetable for Landeskog’s return, Bednar revealed that the Avalanche captain has been putting in the work during the off-season by skating several times a week to gear up for his comeback.
Landeskog’s last appearance for the Avalanche was during the 2021-22 playoffs, where he played a crucial role in the team’s Stanley Cup triumph, tallying 11 goals and 22 points. In the truncated season, he also showcased his scoring prowess with 30 goals and 59 points in just 51 games.
Originally drafted second overall by the Avalanche in 2011, Landeskog has amassed an impressive 248 goals and 571 points in his 738 career games.
However, Landeskog’s potential return is not the only concern for the Avalanche as they prepare for the upcoming season. Forwards Artturi Lehkonen and Logan O’Connor have both undergone shoulder and hip surgeries, respectively. Additionally, Valeri Nichushkin, a forward for the team, was placed in Stage three of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in May and is slated to be suspended until at least November.
Bednar acknowledged the challenges facing the team, stating, “It will be interesting at the start of the year because you’re talking about possibly three really good players that might not be able to start the season, to be determined. But I think it’s an opportunity for some young guys. We’ve had some guys that are kind of knocking on the door with our team.”
As the Avalanche navigate through these injury setbacks and uncertainties, the potential return of Landeskog could provide a much-needed reinforcement to the roster as they look to build upon their recent successes and make another deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
