Development: Avalanche Set To Get Landeskog Back In The Locker Room? A Statement Was Just Made
Photo credit: American Hockey League
There is a good chance that the Colorado Avalanche could get their captain in Gabriel Landeskog back for the playoffs, and a statement was just made.
After two really good games with the Colorado Eagles, all eyes are on Landeskog and the Avalanche in what could be the next step in his recovery.
It might become a reality that Landeskog could be back dressing up for an NHL game this weekend.
«Physically, I feel great,» Landeskog said on Friday following his AHL debut. «Obviously, it's the first game in a long time. So I've got plenty of things to work on and get better at. But it was a lot of fun.»
Landeskog's first game back was solid, but not much came out of it. The following day he ended up making his presence felt by scoring a goal and also picking up an assist to help the Eagles comeback and win their game 4-3 in shootout.
Just three weeks ago, the idea of Landeskog suiting up for a professional hockey game felt impossible, but he has defined the odds, and here we are.
Statement Made On Landeskog Joining The Avalanche
If Landeskog were to return for game one of the playoffs, what are some realistic expectations for the captain? Well this is what Colorado Hockey Now had to say about the matter:
On one hand, this is a 32-year-old who, if not for his knee issues, would've been in the prime of his career still and building off a spectacular 30-goal season in 2022. But on the other hand, this is a 32-year-old who hasn't played an NHL game in more than a thousand days.
Off the ice, expectations won't change. And they shouldn't. Landeskog is the locker room heartbeat of this roster and would instantly reclaim his role as the leader in all aspects. No number of days off would've changed that.
The list of players who could command a room like Landeskog around the NHL is very short. The core of this team, whether Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Artturi Lehkonen, or Valeri Nichushkin, all have immense respect for their captain.
But on the ice, it'll take time. And that's okay.
Off the ice, expectations won't change. And they shouldn't. Landeskog is the locker room heartbeat of this roster and would instantly reclaim his role as the leader in all aspects. No number of days off would've changed that.
The list of players who could command a room like Landeskog around the NHL is very short. The core of this team, whether Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Artturi Lehkonen, or Valeri Nichushkin, all have immense respect for their captain.
But on the ice, it'll take time. And that's okay.
Landeskog also spoke on the expectations he is holding himself too:
«I have high expectations of myself. I'm also realistic in knowing what I've gone through and how much time I've missed,» Landeskog said. «But at the same time, I'm not going to necessarily lower them too low either.»
Landeskog may have a hard time adjusting to the speed, and physicality of the NHL, but the more reps he takes, the more use to it he will become once again.
«I've got a lot of things to work on and improve on,» Landeskog said. «I found myself getting a little frustrated on the bench just because I wasn't making the right plays, or I wasn't skating or getting involved the way I wanted to. But also gotta remember, first one in a long time. So I guess I have to temper my own expectations a little bit.»
He gets it. But: «I think the drive to get better and my will to continue to improve game by game here is not going to stop.»
He gets it. But: «I think the drive to get better and my will to continue to improve game by game here is not going to stop.»
There is a chance that he may begin the series in the bottom six if he does suit up for a game this weekend, but muscle memory is a real thing, and it will come back to him sooner rather than later.
Nothing is guaranteed, but there is a chance that he is ready for this weekend, and that could be game changing for the Avalanche.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 14 | 93 ANSWERS Development: Avalanche Set To Get Landeskog Back In The Locker Room? A Statement Was Just Made Do you think the Colorado Avalanche are going to get Gabriel Landeskog back in the locker room this weekend? | ||
| Yes | 84 | 90.3 % |
| No | 9 | 9.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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