Gabriel Landeskog discusses return exactly one year ago, ‘it’s go time again’

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog made his return to action one year ago today.

In some ways it feels like it just happened, in others it feels like a lifetime ago.

Landeskog played against the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of Round 1 of the playoffs. He overcame multiple knee surgeries to get back on the ice in an NHL game for the first time since the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022.

It was remarkable then and it’s remarkable now.

And coincidentally enough, Game 3 between the Avs and Kings also falls on April 23rd this season.

After morning skate in Los Angeles the anniversary was brought up to Landeskog who gave several thoughtful answers on the subject.

🗣️ Gabe Landeskog

A year ago Gabe Landeskog made his return to the NHL in Game 3 of Round 1

What does he remember from that night, and how is this year different? That and TONS more from his Morning Skate availability today#GoAvsGo | Powered by @7BrewCoffee pic.twitter.com/hFFR244pvP

— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports) April 23, 2026

“Yeah, I guess so, huh? Yeah, it was an exciting day for sure. Lot different than this year. I still remember it like it was yesterday, but a very different feeling this year obviously. We’ve had a long regular season lead-up, so yeah a lot more comfortable this time around,” Landeskog told reporters in Los Angeles.

He added that he needed the reps in the regular season to find his game consistently, but it’s all about achieving a goal with the postseason finally here.

“Now we’re in the playoffs, it’s go time again,” Landeskog said.

He scored a huge goal in Game 2, tying the game late in the third period. The Avalanche would win it in overtime, taking a 2-0 series lead.

Landeskog said that he was “open-minded” coming into the season about his knee, but it actually hasn’t caused him to miss time. The only he games he hasn’t played in were the result of a scary rib injury and also taking a puck to the mid-section.

Those weren’t fun, but Landeskog is thrilled with how his knee has held up.

“I think I’ve been very pleasantly surprised all year how it’s handled all the things thrown at it,” Landeskog said.

The fact the knee hasn’t been a story is huge for the Avalanche. They need Landeskog on the ice and his leadership capabilities as well.

What a wild year it’s been for the Colorado captain, but most of all fans are thrilled to see him playing well when it matters most.

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