Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog hasn’t appeared in an NHL game since lifting the Stanley Cup in 2022, but according to Avs teammate Erik Johnson, that wait may soon be over.
During an appearance on "NHL on TNT" on Tuesday before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Johnson was asked about Landeskog’s status.
While the organization has remained cautious and quiet, Johnson may have inadvertently delivered the biggest update yet on his status and impending return.
“It’s a matter of ‘when, not if’ anymore,” Johnson said. “We’re excited for him to get back on the ice. I know he’s put in a lot of work, time, money, resources, everything.
”We’re pulling for him.”
The comments mark the most optimistic public statement to date from anyone tied to the Avalanche.
While head coach Jared Bednar has kept things vague and Landeskog has avoided setting concrete goals, Johnson’s statement strongly suggests that the captain’s return during the 2025 playoffs is expected internally.
Landeskog, 32, underwent cartilage transplant surgery on his knee in 2023 and hasn’t played since the Avalanche’s 2022 Cup run.
He’s been practicing with the team in recent weeks and even joined the top power-play unit during non-contact drills
Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog carries a commemorative stick at Ball Arena.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Avs clinched their eighth straight playoff berth on Thursday night, and with no salary cap restrictions in the postseason, Landeskog could theoretically slot in whenever he’s physically ready.
Landeskog is under contract for four more seasons after this one as part of the eight-year, $56 million deal he signed in 2021. He carries a cap hit of $7 million.
