Broadcaster says that the Colorado Avalanche won't have any success without this star forward in their lineup
Photo credit: (AP Photo/Jim McIsaac, File)
Although it took him awhile to return to the NHL, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog showed no signs of slowing down when he returned to play against the Dallas Stars in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The seasoned veteran quickly made his presence felt, recording four points in four games while averaging 16 minutes of ice time, before the Avalanche were ultimately eliminated after blowing a two goal lead in Game 7 against the Stars.
Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog is still the heart and soul of the Avalanche.
That said, what is Landeskog feels strong and healthy a few years from now? What if the time away from the game actually allows him to extend his career into his late 30's or even near 40's? If that happens, for Avs fans, it could feel like the devastating knee injury was just a distant memory.
The most important question remains whether Landeskog's knee can hold up in the years ahead. And if you liked what you saw in the four games he played in the playoffs, that pretty much sums up your answer.
On July 21, 2021, Landeskog signed an contract extension, locking up the Avs captain until the 2029 season. The cap hit for each season of his deal is $7 million. He'll be 36 years-old when he's in the final year of his contract but it could be known much sooner whether or not he's expected to remain with the team when his deal expires, writes Graham Tiedtke from Mile High Sticking.
"It is clear that Landeskog has a tremendous impact in the locker room, too. He wasn't named captain of the Avalanche for no reason. He wasn't named the youngest captain in NHL history for no reason. His teammates buy into what he has to say. That's a true indicator of a leader. His presence also helps me believe that players such as Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar would want to remain with the organization for the entireties of their careers. That is a big key, in my opinion, to the team's future success. Keep the core intact." -Tiedtke
One thing is certain though; if Landeskog can continue playing up to his current level, the Avalanche will be perennial cup contenders for the foreseeable future.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Gabriel Landeskog could remain Colorado Avalanche's heart and soul well into his 40s
Mile High Sticking
Gabriel Landeskog could remain Colorado Avalanche's heart and soul well into his 40s
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 25 ANSWERS Broadcaster says that the Colorado Avalanche won't have any success without this star forward in their lineup Do you think Gabriel Landeskog will remain an Avalanche when his contract expires in 2029? | ||
| yes | 20 | 80 % |
| no | 5 | 20 % |
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