Gabriel Landeskog, the captain of the Colorado Avalanche, has missed two complete seasons due to injury.
Landeskog has been conspicuously absent from the lineup since suffering a severe cartilage damage on the underside of his right patella during the 2020–21 bubble playoff team.
Several surgeries and a protracted recuperation process have been necessary, but a return is anticipated in 2024.
During a post-series press conference on Thursday, May 23, Landeskog and Colorado general manager Chris MacFarland shared some information about Landeskog’s anticipated return to the ice in the upcoming season.
When asked if he was close to participating in the postseason, Landeskog told reporters, “As hard as it was and as much as I wanted to be out there, it was ultimately the best decision for my health and long-term for this organisation.”
Landeskog laughed as he answered the question about the potential release window for the upcoming season: “Between mid-September and the start of April.” It makes me feel fairly nice.
Gabriel Landeskog’s Playoff Presence Was Missed by Avalanche
There were many highs and lows for Colorado throughout the six-game second-round series against the Dallas Stars, who went on to win the series.
One of the stars, Artturi Lehkonen, will require shoulder surgery this offseason after suffering yet another injury.
Still wounded but on the mend, Landeskog skated with the Avalanche before Game 6, but even though his presence probably lifted the team’s spirits, the Avalanche lost in double overtime to the Stars thanks to a brilliant goal by Matt Duchene.
The NHL players battle weariness, injuries, and high expectations heading into the postseason after an exhausting 82-game regular season that ends without a break.
Following the Stars’ elimination of Colorado from the playoffs, head coach of the Avalanche, Jared Bednar, addressed this weariness.
Without a doubt, it was exhausting. As the intervals went on, you could see that we were losing energy, but our men still gave it their all. They defended well and played hard every shift, according to Bednar.
Landeskog has been a crucial member of the Avalanche’s success, and they have relied on his strong leadership during difficult times in the past.
Therefore, it makes sense that having their captain back in the locker room and on the ice would have a significant impact.
Landeskog has been outstanding in the playoffs aside from morale, amassing 27 goals and 40 assists for an incredible 67 points in 69 lifetime games.
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