Gabriel Landeskog took a significant step in his return to professional hockey on Friday night, appearing in his first game in nearly three years. The Colorado Avalanche captain suited up for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, marking an important milestone in his long-awaited comeback.
Although Landeskog was excited to be back on the ice, he admitted that improving his conditioning remains a top priority.
“My body feels great,” Landeskog said following the Eagles’ 2–0 win over the Henderson Silver Knights. “I was telling some of the guys on the bench my knee feels great. I’m just tired. We’re going to work on that.”
The 32-year-old played close to 15 minutes across 15 shifts, recording two shots on goal and a minor penalty. Most importantly, he finished the game feeling good physically—an encouraging sign after undergoing three knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant, which had sidelined him since Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.
Landeskog Wasn’t Sure If He Could Make Return
“There were times I wasn’t sure this day would come,” Gabriel Landeskog admitted. “It felt amazing to be back in the fight… all the little details that make up a hockey game. It was just a lot of fun to be out there again.”
Though Landeskog remains on long-term injured reserve, the Avalanche can activate him for the playoffs without any salary cap complications. Head coach Jared Bednar hasn’t put a timeline on Landeskog’s return but made it clear: “When he says he’s ready to play, he’s gonna play.”
With the Stanley Cup Playoffs starting on April 19 and Colorado currently locked into third place in the Central Division, Landeskog’s return could be just around the corner. His knee appears to be holding up well, but how quickly he can regain top conditioning will determine how big an impact he can make once the intensity of playoff hockey kicks in.
