Big boost as Avalanche Forward announces Return..

Gabriel Landeskog, the captain of the Colorado Avalanche, has been sidelined since May 2023 following knee surgery, and recent reports suggest that his NHL return may now be in serious jeopardy.

According to journalist Adrian Dater, Landeskog has encountered a “significant” setback in his recovery, with two sources confirming the news.

This latest development raises doubts about whether the 31-year-old forward will be able to return to the ice at all.

Landeskog, who underwent cartilage replacement surgery on his knee in May 2023, had been expected to make a comeback at some point during the 2024-25 season.

However, his recovery has been plagued by complications. Prior to this surgery, Landeskog had already undergone multiple knee surgeries in 2022, as well as quadriceps surgery in 2020.

Each setback has further complicated his path back to playing professionally.

In light of this news, Avalanche fans are left uncertain about the future of their captain.

Head coach Jared Bednar provided a brief update on Landeskog’s status earlier this week, noting that while Landeskog has been working hard in the gym and feels better, there is no definitive timeline for his return.

Bednar’s comments, made during a press briefing, came after months of silence on the topic.

The coach emphasized that while Landeskog is making progress in his rehabilitation, the team remains unsure when—if at all—he will rejoin the lineup.

Landeskog’s contract, which was signed in July 2021 for eight years and $56 million, allows the Avalanche to keep him on long-term injured reserve if necessary.

This means his $7 million salary does not count against the team’s salary cap, giving them some financial flexibility while they await his recovery.

However, with this latest setback, there is growing concern about whether the team will ever see their captain suit up again.

As Landeskog continues to battle through his recovery, fans and teammates alike are holding out hope for a positive outcome. Still, with the uncertainty surrounding his condition, the possibility of him returning to play this season—or ever again—remains unclear. This marks a difficult chapter in what has already been a challenging recovery journey for one of the league’s top forwards.