Avs' Gabriel Landeskog Reveals True Feelings After First Game in 3 Years

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog played his first professional hockey game in nearly three years Friday night, taking the ice for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.

That appearance marked the first competitive step toward Landeskog rejoining the Avs' lineup during the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs.

The 32-year-old Avalanche forward last played in Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, leading Colorado to the third championship in franchise history. After three knee surgeries and a cartilage transplant in May 2023, Landeskog was sent to the Eagles on a conditioning stint earlier this week.

On Friday, Landeskog played 15 shifts and logged just under 15 minutes in the Eagles’ 2-0 win over the Henderson Silver Knights, recording two shots on goal and picking up a minor penalty in his first game back.

Landeskog added that his knee felt strong but admitted his conditioning still needs work.

“Body feels great,” Landeskog said. “Was telling some of the guys on the bench my knee feels great. I’m just tired. We’re going to work on that.

“There were times where I didn’t know if that was ever going to happen,” he said. “It felt great being in the battle again. On the bench, in the room, on the ice, all the nuances of a hockey game. Really fun being back.”

“I felt great,” Landeskog said postgame. “Obviously, some nerves going into it. I was trying to figure out, ‘What did I use to do again?’ 

"But I was just trying to enjoy it, get into the game. Physically I feel great.”

Coach Jared Bednar has not confirmed a Landeskog return date to the Avalanche roster.

“When he says he’s ready to play, he’s gonna play,” Bednar said Thursday. “The more excited he gets about a return, the more excited I get. Because I know there’s been lots of peaks and valleys."

Landeskog is still on long-term injured reserve, but Colorado could activate him once the postseason begins on April 19 without incurring any salary-cap penalty.

The Avalanche (48-28-4) are third in the Central Division with two games left and 100 points, making it impossible to catch the Dallas Stars (106) in the standings and facing a probable matchup against the team from Texas.