Landeskog Reflects on Avalanche Return After Playoff Sweep

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog returned to a full NHL season after nearly three years away because of a knee injury and discussed his comeback, the team's playoff disappointment and its early 2026-27 response in interviews with Sportsnet and NHL.com.

Landeskog missed three seasons while recovering before playing a complete campaign. According to Sportsnet, he received the 2026 Masterton Trophy after returning to competition and helping Colorado reach the third round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Landeskog said his focus entering the season was adjusting to the demands of hockey again after a long absence.

"I had a very open mind to what it was going to be like. I didn’t really have much expectations other than play my heart out, try to find my game as best as I possibly can. I was trying to be patient about it, understanding that it’s been a long time.

You might not feel great. You might not have the touch of the game that you want or you expect because it’s been so long. But you get critical of your game pretty quickly because that is what we do.

You want to be great. You want to be as good as you possibly can be and make an impact. And then when you don’t, you get a little frustrated.

So, overall, for my knee to feel as good as it did, especially after the first couple months — getting the knee used to the wear and tear of playing and skating just about every other day — it's a huge win. I mean, listen — I don't take anything for granted anymore. I just appreciate it all, and I'm excited about another season, especially feeling this good going into it," said Landeskog.

Sportsnet reported Landeskog addressed Colorado's conference final sweep and said the team must use the loss as motivation.

"We didn't play good enough. Simple as that. There are plenty of nuances to that.

Plenty of reasons for that, and you can find excuses all you want. Every team that loses can find excuses and point to them. But it’s simple as, we just didn't play our best hockey at the most important time of the year.

And that’s a lesson for everybody, right? There are 31 teams that are feeling that way — and that’s the way it should be. It’s the hardest thing to win in sports.

That's what we sign up for. We know there’s heartbreak on the line. When you step on the ice for training camp, we all have the same goal.

But you fall short. You can either let it drag you down or let it fuel you for the next season. That's all we're ever trying to do, and we'll be an inspired group again this year," said Landeskog.

Colorado opened the 2026-27 season with a 7-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Oct. 8, according to NHL.com. Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon each recorded three points, while Devon Toews and Jaden Schwartz scored twice.

"Winning’s fun. It’s what you’re trying to do," said Toews.

NHL.com reported Makar scored two goals and added an assist in Calgary, while MacKinnon finished with one goal and two assists as Colorado improved to 3-1-0.

"It’s nice to see Cale get on the board. He loves playing in Calgary. He obviously has lots of family and friends here and he was a big part of it tonight, so we’ll take that game from him as much as we possibly can," said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar.