Setback in Gabriel Landeskog’s recovery jeopardizes his NHL future

Avalanche star forward Gabriel Landeskog has not played since Colorado won the Stanley Cup in 2022, missing two full seasons while recovering from a severe knee injury that required cartilage transplant in May 2023. Rumours have since swirled on what the future may look like for Landeskog and unfortunately head coach Jared Bednar had to break the news that his player suffered a setback.

Per Colorado insider, Vic Lombardi, Bednar revealed how it’s “probably fair” to call Landeskog’s situation a “setback” but it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Part of the on-again-off-again recovery process. He’s in constant communication. He’s still hopeful.

Later on, Adrian Dater revealed from his sources that Landeskog suffered a significant setback and that a return to the NHL was now in jeopardy.

Just at the start of the season, Landeskog himself was commenting to fans wondering about his return or possible retirement. When a fan posted posted, “Time to retire, Landy!”, the superstar replied, “Is it though?”

Well now… it might be.

Landeskog’s absence has played a major factor in Colorado inability to reach the Finals in the Western conference in the past two seasons, and his impact on the ice has been dearly missed. His presence in the dressing room, with his leadership and experience, has also been a blow in the past years, and now fans want to know if he will make a return at all.

Selected second overall by Colorado in 2011, Landeskog won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie in 2012 and was named to the All-Star Game in 2019. In 738 NHL games, he has recorded 248 goals with 571 points, all with the Avalanche.