Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog made significant progress toward a return to NHL action this week, skating with the team for the first time since the 2022 Stanley Cup Final. After a two-game AHL conditioning stint where he recorded both a goal and an assist, Landeskog fully participated in Avalanche practices leading up to their playoff series against the Dallas Stars. Despite being labeled as a potential option for Game 1 by head coach Jared Bednar, the 32-year-old did not dress for Saturday night’s matchup.
“He’s close,” Bednar said. “Each day he’s looking a bit quicker and more confident. He’ll be in the mix for this series.”
Although Landeskog took part in morning skate and additional sessions with the team’s extra skaters, it became apparent he would not play Game 1. The team is now expected to target Game 3 for his return in Denver, where they’ll have home-ice advantage and the ability to better manage matchups. This would allow Bednar to ease Landeskog back into action by using him against the Stars’ lower lines.
Reporter Jeremy Lambert commented that while delaying Landeskog’s return isn’t ideal, it makes strategic sense given the circumstances.
Even without their captain, Colorado dominated Game 1 with a 5-1 victory. Nathan MacKinnon led the charge with two goals, while Artturi Lehkonen, Devon Toews, and Charlie Coyle each found the back of the net. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood delivered a solid performance in net.
The Avalanche will play Game 2 in Dallas on Monday before heading home for Game 3 on Wednesday—possibly marking Landeskog’s long-awaited return to the lineup.
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