Gabriel Landeskog’s future with the Avalanche is uncertain.
Coach Jared Bednar told NHL.com that Landeskog won’t be ready for the start of the season. He hopes to return early in the season, maybe within the first couple of months. “He’s trying to make a return here sometime near the start of the season and if that goes well, it would be a really big boost for us,” Bednar said. “So, that’s something we’re all a little anxious about, but really excited about as well. He hasn’t played for us in two years.”
Landeskog had quadriceps surgery during the 2020 playoffs and knee surgeries in March and October 2022. Last May, he had cartilage replacement surgery on his knee after an earlier procedure didn’t work. Late last season, there was talk he could return if the Avs went far in the playoffs, but they lost in round two to Dallas .
In his last active season (2021-22), Landeskog scored 30 goals and 29 assists in just 51 games. Over four years (excluding his injury time), he tallied 230 points in 232 games. Even though it’s unrealistic to expect him to perform at that level right away, his return would still strengthen their lineup.
Salary Cap Concerns:
If Landeskog can’t play for at least a month, he’ll go on LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve) again. This helps Colorado stay under the salary cap when the season starts. Valeri Nichushkin is also not counting against their cap while he’s in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Fans might wonder how these moves will affect team chemistry .
Other Injury Updates:
Logan O’Connor should be ready after hip surgery in March, but Artturi Lehkonen’s status is unclear due to shoulder surgery post-playoffs. If Lehkonen isn’t cleared by opening night, Colorado will miss three top wingers at season start.
What do you think? Will these injuries hurt their chances?
