Gabriel Landeskog has not played since the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run. With the trade deadline approaching, his possible return could affect the franchise's plans.
The 32-year-old captain, sidelined by a knee injury, addressed his rehab, future and the uncertainty surrounding his return in an interview with The Athletic's Peter Baugh.
“Having my career up in limbo with the big unknown, that’s been the most daunting thing of it all for me,” Landeskog said about his possible return.
Asked about his NHL comeback following a yearslong rehab, potentially leading to an early retirement, Landeskog made clear his determination to push for a return to the ice at some point.
“I’ve decided to see this thing through, no matter how long it takes,” Landeskog said. “At the end of the day, I started it. I plan on finishing it.”
Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) speaks to the media.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Landeskog's latest surgery, a cartilage transplant in May 2023, has no precedent for an NHL player returning to the ice. Despite the uncertainty, he remains committed to completing his rehab.
“I understand I’m probably not going to skate completely pain-free again, but I want to be able to get to a point where I can at least manage it,” Landeskog said.
While Landeskog has seen progress, Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland confirmed on Monday the forward isn't likely to return during the remainder of the regular season.
“There is no playbook for this,” MacFarland said. “We’ll just continue to chip away at it, and he’s doing everything he can. That I know.
“I think you guys can figure out where this is kind of going. Hopefully, it’ll keep going well.”
With Landeskog on long-term injured reserve, Colorado has $7 million in cap relief.
Landeskog last discussed his possible return before the start of the season when he told The Denver Post’s Corey Masisak on Aug. 21 that his comeback is "a matter of when, not if."
