The Colorado Avalanche have assigned star forward and team captain Gabriel Landeskog to the AHL for a conditioning stint in preparation for the upcoming playoffs. The move was announced Wednesday morning.
Colorado Avalanche Loan Gabriel Landeskog to AHL for Assignment
The Colorado Avalanche have sent captain and star forward Gabriel Landeskog to their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, for a long-awaited conditioning stint—a major milestone in his comeback from knee surgery. Landeskog, who hasn’t played since the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs where he played a pivotal role in the team’s championship run, has been sidelined the entire 2023–24 season after undergoing cartilage transplant surgery in May 2023.
Now 31, Landeskog has endured nearly two years of grueling rehab, with no clear timetable for return—until now. This assignment to the AHL isn’t a demotion, but rather a key opportunity for him to ease back into game action at a less intense pace as he works to regain form ahead of the postseason.
With the playoffs rapidly approaching, the Avalanche are hopeful that their captain can return to the NHL lineup at full strength, providing a major emotional and on-ice boost for a team with championship aspirations.
What This Means for the Avalanche
Landeskog’s return couldn’t be more timely. While the Avalanche have managed to stay competitive without their captain, his absence has certainly been felt—especially when it comes to leadership, physicality, and that steady two-way presence he’s known for. His ability to contribute on the power play and thrive in high-pressure playoff moments makes him a potential game-changer down the stretch.
Beyond the on-ice impact, Landeskog’s return could bring a much-needed jolt of energy and confidence to the locker room. If he can find his rhythm quickly, he won’t just help on the scoresheet—he’ll help set the tone for the entire roster.
That said, fans should be cautious with expectations. AHL conditioning stints are meant to ease players back in—they don’t necessarily signal an immediate NHL return. But this move is by far the most optimistic development since Landeskog’s surgery.
If all goes well in his time with the Colorado Eagles, it’s very possible that Landeskog will be back wearing the “C” just in time to lead the Avs on another Stanley Cup run.
