Gabriel Landeskog Returns to Ice After Long Injury Layoff
*Denver, April 12, 2025* — After nearly two years on the sidelines, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog made a long-awaited return to action last night, playing his first game since the 2022 playoffs.
Landeskog, who has been recovering from a complex knee injury that required cartilage transplant surgery, stepped onto the ice at Ball Arena to a thunderous ovation from the home crowd. The veteran winger logged just over 15 minutes of ice time in the Avalanche’s matchup against the Minnesota Wild, contributing both physically and emotionally to the team’s 4–2 win.
“It’s been a long road, but I can’t even describe how good it felt to be back out there,” Landeskog said postgame. “I’ve missed this team, the fans, the game—everything.”
The Swedish forward, 32, had not played a regular-season or playoff game since the 2022 Stanley Cup run, undergoing multiple procedures in an attempt to return to full health.
Head coach Jared Bednar praised Landeskog’s resilience: “He’s a warrior. Just having him back in the lineup is a huge boost for us on and off the ice.”
With the playoffs approaching, Landeskog’s return adds a major piece to the Avalanche lineup, raising hopes of another deep run for the 2022 champions
