Video of Gabriel Landeskog in the handshake line is one you’ll want to see

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog completed a remarkable comeback this season.

And he was actually one of Colorado’s best players in their final five games against the Dallas Stars.

As you know by now, the Avalanche’s season ended in stunning and heartbreaking fashion in Game 7. Mikko Rantanen, who Avs GM Chris MacFarland traded to Carolina in January, scored a third period hat trick and Colorado fell by a final score of 4-2 after having a 2-0 lead.

But even the Stars, who just battled Landeskog like heck, had massive respect for him in the postgame handshake line. Landeskog returned in Game 3, his first NHL contest in nearly three years after undergoing multiple knee surgeries including a cartilage replacement. He also scored a goal in Game 4.

You’ll want to see this video, including the messages from ex-teammates Matt Duchene and Rantanen.

Nothing but respect for Gabriel Landeskog. 🥹 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/99II4Tmoh5

— NHL (@NHL) May 5, 2025

All the Dallas guys are gracious and congratulate Gabriel Landeskog on his epic comeback, but it’s what Duchene and Rantanen say that really sticks out.

“So proud of you buddy, so happy for you,” Duchene said. “Let’s hang out this summer, alright? Love you, buddy.”

And of course Landeskog keeps it classy, wishing all the Stars players luck in their Round 2 series.

“Love you, bro,” Rantanen said. “I’m happy to see you back. So happy to see you back.”

This was more than just a hockey or sports story, it was a human story. What Gabriel Landeskog went through was completely grueling and awful. And he persevered when a lot of people probably would’ve retired.

It’s awesome to see the Stars respect that, particularly Duchene and Rantanen, who both shared a locker room and were teammates with Landeskog for a long time.

Obviously the Avalanche captain wishes he was on the other side of things, still playing hockey this season, but it’s a very cool moment either way.

In a series that broke a lot of hearts in Colorado, this is the best story of all of them.

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