Avalanche Captain Landeskog Set for Game 3 Return After Long Recovery

DENVER — Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will play his first NHL game in nearly three years when the Avalanche host the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Landeskog, 32, hasn’t played since June 26, 2022, when the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the Stanley Cup. He has battled chronic right knee issues, undergoing multiple surgeries, including a cartilage transplant in May 2023.

“Now it’s kind of go time,” Landeskog said in an interview with Altitude Sports, reflecting his excitement about returning to the ice.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism about Landeskog’s presence on the team. “He’s an invaluable guy to our team, not only with what he provides on the ice but also in the locker room,” Bednar said. Landeskog has been involved with the team’s practices as he prepared for his return.

Landeskog’s journey back to the ice has been documented in the series “A Clean Sheet,” highlighting the ups and downs of his rehab process. Avalanche defenseman expressed pride in Landeskog’s determination. “He had every right to pull the plug, but he wanted to see it through,” he noted.

Despite his absence, Landeskog continues to rank among the franchise’s all-time leaders, with 571 points in 738 regular-season games and 67 points in 69 playoff appearances.

Landeskog had a brief conditioning stint with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, on April 11 and 12, where he recorded a goal and an assist in two games. His return could be pivotal for the Avalanche, who currently have the series tied at 1-1 after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Stars in Game 2.

“It’s remarkable he’s coming back,” said Stars forward, a former Avalanche teammate, expressing happiness for Landeskog’s progress. “Everyone’s happy to see the journey he’s been on.”

Game 3 promises to be an emotional return for Landeskog, both for him personally and for the Avalanche faithful at Ball Arena.