"Resurgence of Avs Forward Gabriel Landeskog in AHL Continues"
Unavailable since hoisting the Stanley Cup on June 26, 2022, Colorado Avalanche leader Gabriel Landeskog will take the ice for the AHL's Colorado Eagles on Friday night as he continues his recovery from right knee problems.
The 32-year-old Landeskog is permitted to participate in three games with the Eagles as part of his rehabilitation plan, with the goal of joining the Avalanche for their upcoming playoff run, which is set to begin next weekend against the Dallas Stars.
According to Colorado coach Jared Bednar, who spoke to reporters on Thursday, "When he feels ready to play, he will play." Landeskog has been skating and practicing on a limited basis for several months now.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 draft and recipient of the 2011-12 Calder Trophy for the NHL's top rookie, Landeskog has undergone multiple procedures on his right knee, including cartilage transplant surgery in May 2023.
While no NHL player has successfully returned from this surgery, NBA player Lonzo Ball of the Chicago Bulls had the same procedure in March 2023 and has since made a comeback this season.
Landeskog's knee problems first arose during the NHL's Covid bubble in 2019-20, when he sustained an accidental skate cut. He has since missed two full seasons.
Due to his long-term injured reserve status, Landeskog does not count against Colorado's roster or salary cap.
Throughout his 11 seasons with the Avalanche, Landeskog has accumulated 571 points (248 goals, 323 assists) in 738 games.
