DENVER (AP) — In a triumphant return to the ice, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog played his first NHL game in nearly three years on Wednesday night, April 23, 2025, against the Dallas Stars. The atmosphere was electric at Denver's Ball Arena as fans eagerly awaited the moment their captain would don the Avalanche sweater once again. Landeskog, who last played on June 26, 2022, during the Avalanche's Stanley Cup-clinching victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, hinted at his return in a video posted by the team on social media just an hour before puck drop, stating, "I’ll have my jersey on tonight. Excited to be part of the guys."
It was a long journey back for the 32-year-old Swede, who had been sidelined due to a chronic right knee injury that required multiple surgeries, including a cartilage transplant procedure on May 10, 2023. His absence from the ice lasted 1,032 days, making him the fifth player in NHL history with at least 700 games played to return after such a long hiatus. The last player to achieve this feat was Hall of Famer Peter Forsberg, a former Avalanche star.
Leading into the game, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar had been cautiously optimistic about Landeskog's availability, saying, "We'll see." His gut feeling about Landeskog's readiness proved accurate as the captain took to the ice, bringing a much-needed boost to the Avalanche, who faced the Stars in a tightly contested playoff series tied at one game apiece.
"Everyone is rooting for him. It's a great comeback story," Bednar remarked after the morning skate, emphasizing the importance of Landeskog's presence in the locker room. "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. You can’t get enough of that this time of the year."
Landeskog's injury saga dates back to the 2020 "bubble" season when he was accidentally sliced above the knee by teammate Cale Makar during a playoff game against Dallas. The injury led to a lengthy rehabilitation process, during which he missed the entire 2022-23 season and the subsequent playoffs.
To prepare for his return, Landeskog participated in a two-game conditioning stint with the American Hockey League's Colorado Eagles earlier this month, where he scored a goal and an assist. His activation from injured reserve on April 21, 2025, set the stage for his much-anticipated comeback.
Despite the personal triumph, Landeskog's return posed a challenge for the Stars. Former teammate and friend Matt Duchene expressed his happiness for Landeskog, stating, "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."
As the game unfolded, the crowd erupted with cheers whenever Landeskog touched the puck. The Avalanche fans had waited long for this moment, and their support was palpable. Landeskog skated primarily on the third line alongside Charlie Coyle and Joel Kiviranta, and even though he didn't register any shots on goal during his first game back, he made his presence felt with three hits and solid defensive play.
Valeri Nichushkin opened the scoring for the Avalanche at 8:09 of the first period, giving Colorado a 1-0 lead. Landeskog's involvement in the game was highlighted by his ability to contribute to the team dynamics, even if he was still shaking off the rust after such a long absence.
"He's looking good so we'll see where things go," said Makar prior to the game. "For him, I know it's going to be a huge night when he does play. It's going to be really exciting for us to have him back in the room and have the captain back."
Throughout the game, Landeskog displayed a mix of eagerness and determination. He engaged in physical play, including a notable hit on Mikko Rantanen, his former teammate, showcasing that he was ready to compete despite the challenges he faced during his recovery.
The series between the Avalanche and Stars had been a battle, with Colorado winning the series opener 5-1 and Dallas claiming Game 2 in overtime by a score of 4-3. With the stakes high and the series tied, Landeskog's return was not just about personal achievement; it represented a rallying point for the Avalanche as they aimed to regain momentum in the playoffs.
As the game progressed, Landeskog continued to settle into his role, participating in key moments and contributing to the team's overall energy. The Avalanche fans were treated to a display of resilience and heart from their captain, who had fought hard to return to the ice.
In the end, Landeskog's comeback is a testament to his dedication and the support from his teammates and fans alike. As the Avalanche continue their playoff journey, the return of their captain adds a significant layer of hope and inspiration for the team and its supporters.
With the series still ongoing, the excitement surrounding Landeskog's return is sure to carry through as the Avalanche look to capitalize on their captain's leadership and experience in the crucial games ahead.
