SHOCK!!! Avalanche GM Officially Makes Unexpected Announcement Involving Gabriel Landeskog

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog has not played since the team’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022, and general manager Chris MacFarland provided little optimism about his return during Monday’s press conference. MacFarland all but confirmed that the forward is unlikely to play this season, with his long-term future also uncertain.

“He’s grinding,” MacFarland said. “He’s doing everything he can. I didn’t think on June 26, 2022, that the injury would last three years. There’s no playbook for this. We’ll just continue to chip away at it.”

The Avalanche GM acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Landeskog’s recovery from a right knee injury, noting that while the 32-year-old continues working toward a comeback, there is no clear timeline. “I think you guys can figure out where this is kind of going,” he added. “Hopefully, it’ll keep going well.”

Landeskog underwent a cartilage transplant in May 2023 and remains on long-term injured reserve. He last skated on Jan. 16 but has only participated in light skating sessions, without rejoining team practices—something MacFarland does not expect to change soon.

As for a potential playoff return when salary cap restrictions are lifted, MacFarland remained noncommittal, though he did not sound optimistic. “There’s a chance-hope,” he said. “Obviously, I can’t predict the future, but he continues to rehab. He’s not practicing with the team yet. I mean, it’s two and a half years, and you’re not practicing with the team in early March.”

Despite the uncertainty, MacFarland stressed that Landeskog remains determined to make a comeback. “Everything we do is with the hope that he’s going to play hockey again,” MacFarland said. “The hockey world wants to see it. You want to see him get back out there and see how he can do. I think everybody’s behind him.”

Landeskog himself expressed optimism about his return before the season began, telling The Denver Post’s Corey Masisak on Aug. 21 that his comeback is “a matter of when, not if.”