Something big is brewing for the Avalanche and it could change everything this season
Photo credit: Dustin Bradford / Icon Sportswire
One pivotal element could ultimately decide the course of the Colorado Avalanche's season, with the weight of expectation and responsibility falling squarely on the shoulders of captain Gabriel Landeskog.
Landeskog's performance and leadership may prove decisive in whether the team succeeds or falters in the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season.
Colorado Avalanche season hinges on captain Gabe Landeskog.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that the Avalanche are heading into a somewhat unusual 2025-26 season. With Landeskog returning for what appears to be a full season, the team sees a major shift from the challenges they've faced over the past three years.
Landeskog's pressure gives the Avalanche a true top-six winger while also bringing back the heart and soul of the team, providing leadership both on and off the ice.
"But that situation also implies something interesting. As Landeskog goes, so will the Avalanche. If Landeskog has a healthy, productive season, that attitude will rub off on the team. Players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar won't feel the full pressure of leading the team on their shoulders." -Quixtan
With Landeskog back full time, the Avalanche receive a boost reminiscent of the surge they experienced during last season's playoffs, a spark that nearly propelled them past the Dallas Stars.
But hockey is a game defined by inches and fortunate bounces. The Avs came up just short, missing a few critical breaks along the way, which ultimately led to their first-round exit.
That's why a measured approach is essential to keeping Landeskog a vital part of the team. This could involve carefully managing his ice time or giving occasional days off to ensure he stays fresh and effective throughout the long season.
"Expecting Landeskog to play all 82 games averaging 20+ minutes of ice time per game is a bit of a pipe dream. If anything, 70+ games could represent a huge success. Anything over 15 minutes of ice per night could be a solid step forward.
The key thing to keep in mind is that Landeskog will hopefully get stronger as the season wears on. So, if he doesn't play 20 minutes a night early in the season, it could mean that mid-year, the Avalanche captain could be humming like a V8 engine." -Quixtan
The key thing to keep in mind is that Landeskog will hopefully get stronger as the season wears on. So, if he doesn't play 20 minutes a night early in the season, it could mean that mid-year, the Avalanche captain could be humming like a V8 engine." -Quixtan
Ultimetely, the Avalanche's success will hinge on their captain's health and overall well-being. A strong season from him could be the deciding factor between contending for another Stanley Cup or facing an early playoff exit.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 23 | 20 ANSWERS Something big is brewing for the Avalanche and it could change everything this season Do you think Landeskog will play in all 82 contests for the Avalanche this season? | ||
| yes | 10 | 50 % |
| no | 10 | 50 % |
| List of polls | ||
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