DENVER (AP) — The atmosphere was electric at Ball Arena on Wednesday night as Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog made his long-awaited return to the NHL after nearly three years on the sidelines. Landeskog, who last played in the Avalanche's Stanley Cup-clinching victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 26, 2022, stepped onto the ice for Game 3 of the first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars, and the crowd erupted with cheers.
Starting alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, Landeskog wasted no time making his presence felt. Just minutes into the game, he delivered a solid check to Stars forward Mikko Rantanen, a former teammate, signaling that he was back and ready to compete. The emotional lead-up to the game was palpable, with fans chanting “Landy, Landy, Landy” and signs of support, including one from his children that read, “So proud of you Daddy!”
The night was not just significant for Landeskog but also for the Avalanche franchise. His absence due to a chronic knee injury, which required a cartilage transplant in May 2023, had been felt deeply by the team. The gap between his games with the Avalanche was an astonishing 1,032 days, making him only the fifth player in NHL history to return after more than 1,000 days away from the ice, according to NHL Stats.
“It’s go time,” Landeskog said before the game, expressing his excitement and calmness as he prepared to rejoin his teammates. “I feel surprisingly calm and in control right now. I know the butterflies and the nerves will come. Excited,” he told Altitude Sports. His return was a pivotal moment for the Avalanche, who were tied 1-1 in the series against the Stars.
Head coach Jared Bednar had been cautious leading up to the game, stating, “We’ll see,” regarding Landeskog's availability. However, he praised the captain's preparation, noting, “Everyone is rooting for him. It's a great comeback story.” Bednar emphasized Landeskog's importance to the team, saying, “Adding him back into our locker room, he’s almost an extension of the coaching staff, but he’s still one of the guys and the guy that everyone looks up to.”
Landeskog's journey back to the ice began after he suffered a knee injury during the 2020 “bubble” season when he was accidentally sliced above the knee by teammate Cale Makar's skate. After undergoing a cartilage transplant procedure, he spent significant time on long-term injured reserve. His activation from the injured list on April 21, 2025, came just days before his return to the ice.
During the game, Landeskog played just over four minutes in the first period, skating five shifts and contributing three hits, including his notable hit on Rantanen. He even won a faceoff when called upon. The Avalanche managed to score the first goal of the game, with Valeri Nichushkin netting a goal at 8:09 of the first period, putting Colorado ahead 1-0.
Despite the Avalanche's lead, the Stars dominated much of the first period, outshooting Colorado 13-5. The crowd, however, remained energized, celebrating Landeskog's every move. A video tribute played during the first TV timeout, highlighting Landeskog's comeback journey and the challenges he faced. This moment resonated with fans, who rallied behind their captain, chanting his name throughout the arena.
Landeskog's return was not just a personal victory; it was a moment of hope for the Avalanche as they aimed to advance in the playoffs. Stars forward Matt Duchene, a former teammate and close friend, expressed his happiness for Landeskog, saying, “We’ve been rooting for him to come back. Obviously, it makes our job harder having a guy like that out there, but on the friends side, the human side and the fellow athlete side, I think everyone’s happy to see the progress he’s made.”
Even Rantanen, who now plays for the Stars, acknowledged the significance of Landeskog’s return. “It’s remarkable he’s coming back, if he’s coming back, as a friend,” Rantanen said. “As an opponent, obviously, no mercy.”
Landeskog's two-game conditioning stint with the Colorado Eagles in the American Hockey League helped prepare him for this moment. He practiced with the Avalanche leading up to the playoffs, and teammates like Cale Makar noted his readiness, stating, “He's looking good so we'll see where things go.”
As the game progressed, the anticipation grew. Landeskog's return not only brought a boost to the Avalanche's morale but also ignited the fans' passion, creating an electric atmosphere in Ball Arena. The series, tied at 1-1, was now infused with a renewed sense of hope and determination for the Avalanche as they looked to capitalize on their captain's comeback.
With the game still ongoing, fans held their breath, eagerly watching to see how Landeskog would continue to impact the match. His journey back to the ice was a testament to resilience and determination, inspiring teammates and fans alike. As the Avalanche sought to take the lead in the series, Landeskog's presence was a reminder of the strength and heart that defines the team.
As the clock ticked on, the excitement in the arena was palpable, with every shift Landeskog took being met with cheers and applause. His return was not just a milestone for him personally, but a pivotal moment for the Avalanche as they aimed to make a deep playoff run. The energy surrounding Landeskog was infectious, and it was clear that his comeback was a story that would resonate throughout the league.
As the game continued, the Avalanche fans remained hopeful, knowing that with their captain back on the ice, anything was possible. The journey back had been long and arduous, but Landeskog's return was a celebration of perseverance, and the Avalanche were ready to embrace this new chapter in their playoff campaign.
