Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog appears to have already earned two promotions

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is back in the mix.

And it looks like he’s already earned a couple of promotions.

After playing his first NHL game in 1,032 days on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars, Landeskog might be even more involved in Game 4 on Saturday night.

At practice on Friday, Landeskog was promoted to the second-line, along with taking reps with the top power-play unit. He skated with the third line in Game 3 and was on the second power-play grouping.

Gabe Landeskog moved up to the first power play unit.
Avs went 0-6 on the PP in game 3. pic.twitter.com/Mnhx6tsQPW

— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) April 25, 2025

It looks like forward Jonathan Drouin, who’s struggled in the series thus far, will be demoted to the third-line and second power play. Clearly, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar knows a change was needed after Colorado went 0-6 on the power play on Wednesday and generated just seven shots.

And in a 2-1 OT loss to the Stars, the Avs didn’t generate enough offense. They’re hoping Landeskog can be a spark, a big ask for a guy who hasn’t played the last three years.

After practice, Gabriel Landeskog was glad the return is out of the way and the focus can shift back to the team. After all, this group is talented enough to win a Stanley Cup if they can get past Dallas.

Gabe Landeskog is back in it… understands the attention and grateful for it – but that’s in the rearview – he’s here to win and compete.
“Less about the first game back and more about us” pic.twitter.com/LbGR6tK7Db

— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) April 25, 2025

It’s the right perspective from Landeskog, who clearly got his moment and deserved it, but is now ready to move forward.

And the Avalanche have to win three of the next four games or their season is done early. Maybe Gabriel Landeskog can be a big reason they pull that off and head to Round 2.

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