Gabriel Landeskog The Stanley Cup Hero Plays First Game in Nearly Three Years With Colorado Eagles

For the first time in nearly three years, Gabriel Landeskog laced up his skates for a professional game, joining the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL). It marked a monumental step for the Colorado Avalanche captain, who hadn’t played since Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals, when he helped lift the Cup in a heroic playoff run.

That long-awaited conditioning assignment brought him back to Blue Arena in Loveland, where fans cheered and serenaded Landeskog with chants as he stepped onto the ice. The 32-year-old Swede, known for his fiery leadership and net-front presence, logged 14:49 of ice time in a 2-0 win over the Henderson Silver Knights—his first game in nearly 1,021 days.

Wearing a helmet that let his blond hair shine through, Landeskog was easy to spot, both for his play and presence. His return to game action, though part of a minor league rehab stint, could prove pivotal for the Colorado Avalanche, who are the No. 3 seed heading into a likely first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars.

“I got a lot of things to work on and improve on,” Landeskog said post-game. “I found myself getting a little frustrated… but also got to remember it’s the first one in a long time.”

“Hopefully I feel good tomorrow, and we can keep going from there—see where it takes us.”

Landeskog’s journey back to Colorado Avalanche and What The Future Looks Like

The journey back to this moment has been nothing short of grueling. It began with a freak skate cut during the 2020 playoffs, spiraled through lingering knee complications, and ultimately led to a cartilage transplant procedure on May 10, 2023. At one point, Landeskog spent over a year on long-term injured reserve, undergoing multiple surgeries and painful rehab. He joined the Colorado Eagles for this minor league conditioning assignment to finally get back on the ice in a game situation.

Coach Jared Bednar said Friday before the Avalanche left for a two-game trip to California to close out the regular season, that Landeskog could potentially be activated for Game 1. Though Bednar emphasized not wanting to “look too far ahead,” the Avalanche captain skating in real-time action offers a crucial emotional lift.

“It’s a matter of when, not if anymore,” said Erik Johnson, one of Landeskog’s longtime teammates. “We’re pulling for him.”

The Impact Beyond the Scoresheet

Whether or not Landeskog is activated for Game 1, his presence in the locker room is just as vital. The 2022 Stanley Cup campaign showcased a Colorado Avalanche team bolstered not only by stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, but by Landeskog’s leadership—an intangible that can’t be measured on a stat sheet.

“He’s a very well-rounded player,” said Charlie Coyle, a recent Avalanche acquisition. “He leads by example. He’s very well-respected. You can tell the good head on his shoulders that he has.”

Though he may not return as the nearly a point-a-game player he once was—posting 22 points in 20 games during the 2022 playoff run—his voice and resilience are undeniable assets.

Fresh Game Tape, Fresh Hope

Friday night’s game gave Avalanche staff some fresh game tape to examine. Landeskog went through pregame drills, took part in morning skate Friday, and left the ice after a performance he openly critiqued.

“I didn’t have to put my body through this, but I wanted to—for the team,” said Landeskog. “I never thought this was going to get to this point and get this big and get this much attention. I was just trying to fight my way back.”

And fight he has. For Avalanche fans, the return of Captain Gabriel Landeskog feels like more than a comeback. It’s a symbol of perseverance, a flicker of inspiration that could spark another deep playoff run with the Avalanche.

Looking Ahead

As the Avalanche enter the postseason, facing off against the Stars once again, the question remains: Will Gabe Landeskog be ready for Game 1?

Even if he doesn’t suit up, the captain’s influence—his grit, leadership, and ability to rally a room—may be exactly what Colorado needs to chase another Stanley Cup. As Landeskog said after the game:

“The drive to get better and my will to continue to improve… is not going to stop.”

And if Colorado’s future looks anything like its past with Landeskog at the helm, the Avalanche win may not just be in the rearview—it might be coming again this spring.