Gabriel Landeskog’s long-awaited return to NHL action remains uncertain, and Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland confirmed so on Sunday.
Speaking to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, MacFarland said the Avalanche captain's recovery is progressing, but emphasized there's no clear timeline for his return as nothing has changed regarding his situation.
“Nothing new materially, but I will say he’s continuing the process of skating and the rehab,” MacFarland said. “I know it’s been a long time, and I’m sure everybody—us being first in that line—wants something sort of on the horizon, but it’s still where he’s not in practices.
”He’s taken some morning skates. He’s certainly skating consistently and continues to grind.”
The last time Landeskog was seen on the ice skating was on Jan. 16, as captured by Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports.
Landeskog, 32, hasn’t played since the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory in June 2022 due to complications from a knee injury that required cartilage transplant surgery in May 2023.
Appearing on "Frankly Speaking" on Jan. 18, MacFarland told Frank Seravalli that Landeskog was expected to miss 12 to 16 months, but the captain's absence has now stretched to over 20 months since he last appeared in a game.
Head coach Jared Bednar echoed MacFarland’s cautious optimism when asked about Landeskog on Jan. 16.
“I sure hope (he becomes a full participant this season),” Bednar said. “I don’t have lengthy conversations on Gabe on a daily, or even weekly, basis because it’s been a long time. But he’s in good spirits, and I think he’s making progress. It’s all I can say."
Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92).
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
MacFarland acknowledged the franchise still doesn't have a return timeline, let alone a date set in stone for Landeskog's comeback.
“We do not,” MacFarland said regarding such a timeline. “Not at this time. He’s got to be getting into regular practices and contact. He’s got to be able to defend himself and move appropriately.
"Right now, everything is controlled. And hockey is anything but that. There are things he’s going to have to be able to test out and figure out.
With Landeskog and his $7 million cap hit placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), the team has the cap flexibility to make further roster moves, potentially targeting a second-line center.
According to PuckPedia, the Avs have just under $4 million in cap space, and following Friday's blockbuster trade of Mikko Rantanen, it'd be logical for Colorado to explore the market to make up for his departure.
