Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is out there to step onto NHL ice for the primary time in almost three years throughout their first-round collection towards the Stars, head coach Jared Bednar mentioned Friday (through Meghan Angley of Guerilla Sports). There’s unlikely to be an official announcement earlier than they activate him from long-term injured reserve, Bednar mentioned, however he’s an possibility for Recreation 1 Saturday evening.
Landeskog rejoined the NHL squad for follow earlier this week following a two-game conditioning stint within the AHL, his first recreation motion since June 2022. He posted a purpose and help within the first minor-league motion of his 12-year professional profession stateside. Enjoying on back-to-back nights was an particularly noteworthy accomplishment for Landeskog, whose a number of proper knee surgical procedures have saved him sidelined since Colorado’s Stanley Cup win in 2022.
Whether or not he’s within the Recreation 1 lineup stays to be seen. Landeskog skated with the Avs’ projected scratches at follow for the second session in a row, so it’s not wanting overly doubtless, Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports relays. Apart from Landeskog, Bednar advised reporters immediately that defensemen Ryan Lindgren and Josh Manson might be accessible and can slot in on the third and second pairings, respectively. Manson might want to come off long-term injured reserve earlier than Saturday evening.
Their availability offers the Avalanche a totally wholesome complement of gamers for the primary time this season. Contemplating Landeskog’s harm, it’ll be the primary time the Avs can say that since Recreation 3 of their second-round collection towards the Blues in 2022. Samuel Girard sustained a damaged sternum in that recreation and didn’t play for the rest of the postseason.
It’s unattainable to place expectations on Landeskog’s on-ice impression after such an extended absence, however it’s value declaring he remained one among Colorado’s finest gamers of their Cup win regardless of not taking part in on a totally wholesome knee. He completed fourth on the workforce in playoff scoring with 11-11–22 in 20 video games and co-led the membership with a +15 ranking. He’s almost at a degree per recreation over his postseason profession, which spans 67 video games throughout six journeys.
