Gabe Landeskog’s Emotional Return to Colorado Avalanche Roster
After 1,030 long days, Gabriel Landeskog is officially back on the Colorado Avalanche active roster. However, his highly anticipated on-ice return didn’t happen Monday night against the Dallas Stars.
Despite warming up with his team before Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Landeskog ultimately stayed off the lineup sheet — leaving fans both thrilled for his progress and anxious for his full comeback.
Why Was Landeskog Activated but Not Played?
A Story of Patience and Persistence
Landeskog’s right knee injury saga has been nothing short of heartbreaking. Since a skate cut during the 2020 NHL COVID Bubble, the Avs captain has undergone multiple surgeries, including a groundbreaking cartilage replacement procedure in May 2023.
- Last Game Played: June 26, 2022 (2022 Stanley Cup Final)
- Days Missed: 1,030
- Recent Progress:
- Played two conditioning games with the Colorado Eagles
- Scored a goal and recorded an assist during rehab stint
Although Landeskog led warmups at Ball Arena wearing the captain’s ‘C’, coach Jared Bednar and the medical team decided he’s still “day-to-day” when it comes to full-game action.
“He’s building toward a return, but every day is a reevaluation,” Bednar said.
Game 2 vs. Dallas Stars: What Happened?
Instead of Landeskog, Miles Wood suited up to replace the injured Ross Colton, who left Game 1 after a brief 15-second shift.
Meanwhile, Mikko Rantanen, Landeskog’s longtime teammate, shared heartfelt words ahead of the game:
“It’s been a grind for him. Seeing him back on the ice made me really happy,” Rantanen said.
Despite missing Landeskog’s leadership, the Avalanche continue to push hard in their battle against a talented Dallas Stars squad led by coach Peter DeBoer.
👉 Check the official NHL injury report for more updates.
What’s Next for Gabriel Landeskog?
The Path Toward Full Return
There’s no specific timeline yet, but signs are extremely positive:
- Landeskog is skating with the team during morning skates
- His progress is being documented in TNT’s docuseries A Clean Sheet (now streaming on Max)
- Conditioning games with the Eagles showed he can still perform at a high level
Once he returns fully, Landeskog will make NHL history as the first player to return after cartilage replacement surgery.
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Why Landeskog’s Comeback Matters for the Avalanche
The Avalanche need his leadership, grit, and scoring touch if they want to make another deep playoff run.
His return could inspire a huge emotional boost, similar to what we saw during their 2022 Stanley Cup triumph.
Fans, teammates, and even rivals like the Dallas Stars respect the perseverance Landeskog has shown over the past three years.
Final Thoughts: Stay Patient, Avs Nation
Gabe Landeskog’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and pure heart. While he missed Game 2, his return is closer than ever. The moment he steps back into an Avs game will be a truly unforgettable milestone — not just for him, but for all of hockey.
💬 What are your thoughts on Landeskog’s comeback journey? Drop a comment below!
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