Colorado Avalanche legend shares heartwarming words to Gabriel Landeskog
Photo credit: Mile High Hockey
Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog hadn't played a game in over 1,000 days, but now another beloved Swedish and Colorado icon has joined in celebrating his remarkable return.
NHL legend Peter Forsberg, speaking from the heart, praised Landeskog's inspiring return to play this season.
From one legend to another, Colorado Avalanche legend praises Gabriel Landeskog for his heroic return to the NHL.
The Colorado Avalanche were knocked out in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but in a way, they still came out winners, writes Andreas Lillhannus from The Hockey Beast.
Their captain, Swedish star Gabriel Landeskog, made a triumphant return to the ice after a long absence, symbolizing resilience and hope for the franchise.
"Landeskog played his last NHL game on June 26, 2022, as the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2001. But that was also the last time Gabriel Landeskog played a game, at least until April 12, 2025." -Lillhannus
Just in time for this year's playoffs, Landeskog returned to the Avalanche after a lengthy battle with a serious knee injury. He 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 Dallas Stars.
Here's what Forsberg told The Hockey Beast when asked about his heroic return to the NHL.
»I think I was out for 11 months once, almost a year, when I came back for a playoff. But I can't imagine being away for three years and averaging a point-per-game. Not many players could pull that off, it's five out of five stars. It's kind of sad that Colorado lost that Game 7, but it's remarkable to maintain your physics enough to go out and play at the level he did in those games.» -Forsberg
Forsberg also praised Landeskog's mentality.
»I did a bunch of comebacks. Getting back on that test bike after 700 days, trying to push through and motivating yourself that you're going to get back out there. But near the end of that process, it's different. You start to see the goal again. You're almost there. You'll get to play in front of 18,000 fans soon. That makes it easy to stay motivated. It's just great to have him back. Let's just hope it holds this time.» -Forsberg
Forsberg also expressed his concerns about Landeskog's physical condition leading into his comeback, given the severity and length of his lengthy recovery.
»He played two games in the AHL, then missed the first two in the playoffs. I was like, «Is he alright?» I don't know. It's really tough to say. I've played in the playoffs, getting an injection just to push through it. But that doesn't work for a 82-games regular season. I just have my fingers crossed that he can play for several more years.» -Forsberg
The Avalanche captain has a cap hit of $7 million that runs until the 2028-29 season.
| POLL | ||
MAI 18 | 11 ANSWERS Colorado Avalanche legend shares heartwarming words to Gabriel Landeskog Do you think Gabriel Landeskog will retire an Avalanche at the end of his NHL playing career? | ||
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| no | 1 | 9.1 % |
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