Gabriel Landeskog Joins Avalanche at Morning Skate: ‘It Adds to the Optimism’

DENVER — Gabriel Landeskog was on the ice Thursday, joining his Avalanche teammates for morning skate. The captain has been around the team lately, but not on the ice.

It’s always a step in the right direction when he’s able to skate. But in terms of a clear-cut return date, nothing has changed.

“All the guys are pretty in tune with Landy’s recovery process and the work he’s been putting in to try to get back to our team on a regular basis,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “I don’t see him for a while on the ice, as a group of guys anyway. And then he’s able to come out and join us and wheel around a little bit. I think it adds to the optimism of his return at some point, and it’s good to have him out there, sort of boosting the spirits on a game day.”

Gabe Landeskog out before morning skate #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/Ubyqkfh9g9

— Colleen Flynn (@CHNFlynn) January 2, 2025

Landeskog last played in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in 2022. He’s missed two full calendar years of hockey but as of this past summer, remained confident that he’ll return. Landeskog said in May following Colorado’s playoff defeat that he’s expecting to play during the 2024-25 season — albeit he kept the range open from opening night until April.

This isn’t his first time joining the team at morning skate or practice this season, but it’s been a while since he’s been out there. He last skated with the team on Nov. 15 ahead of a matchup against the Washington Capitals.

“I think he’s feeling really comfortable with what he’s doing in his rehab process right now and starting to look better and better on the ice,” Bednar said. “So still no real change in our approach and what’s going on.

“He’s just going to keep grinding forward until he gets to a point where he might be able to join the team on a regular basis.”

Landeskog stuck around while Val Nichushkin is missing. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/QUcMWkn6oe

— Colleen Flynn (@CHNFlynn) January 2, 2025