The Long-Awaited Return of a Captain

DALLAS — It’s been a staggering 1,030 days since Gabriel Landeskog last donned the Colorado Avalanche jersey, raising the Stanley Cup triumphantly after their 2022 victory. But that glory was quickly overshadowed by a long road filled with surgeries and persistent pain.

Now, in a dramatic turn of events, the Avalanche captain has been activated from injured reserve and is set to make his highly anticipated return in Game 2 of the playoffs against the Dallas Stars.

A Journey Through Adversity

After enduring four knee surgeries over the past three years, Landeskog’s comeback was no easy feat. His resilience has been evident throughout this battle, and he recently took a significant step by participating in two conditioning games with the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, where he scored once and assisted another.

The opportunity arose as teammate Ross Colton suffered an injury in Game 1, paving the way for Landeskog to jump back into action. While uncertainty looms regarding how effective the 32-year-old will be, his presence alone injects a surge of hope and enthusiasm into the Avalanche’s locker room.

Emotional Boost for the Team

Coach Jared Bednar emphasized the palpable emotional uplift Landeskog brings, stating, "Guys know exactly the road he’s been on the last couple of years. It’s been a long and challenging journey, and getting your leader back certainly makes a difference."

Teammate Erik Johnson echoed those sentiments, highlighting Landeskog’s role as not just a captain but a significant morale booster. "Any minutes he can give us are going to be huge," Johnson stated, underlining the importance of Landeskog’s leadership.

A Tale of Grit and Determination

Landeskog’s injury saga began during the 2020 playoffs, leading to multiple surgeries that affected his ability to contribute. However, he made a remarkable run with 11 goals and 11 assists in the 2022 Cup playoffs, despite ongoing pain. After a cartilage-transplant surgery in May 2023, he became the first NHL player in history to recover fully from such an operation.

Reflecting on his journey, Johnson remarked on Landeskog’s mental toughness, noting the countless moments he could have given up but chose to fight on not just for himself, but for the team and his family. "He’s become a beacon of hope for players facing similar injuries, proving that determination and hard work can lead to remarkable comebacks."

The Legacy of a True Champion

This remarkable comeback story has been documented in a gripping TNT docuseries, "A Clean Sheet," illustrating Landeskog’s incredible resolve and dedication. With his return imminent, fans and teammates alike are ready to rally behind their captain, who embodies the spirit of perseverance and leadership that defines the championship mentality of the Avalanche.