Gabriel Landeskog's return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup has been a major storyline for the team and the NHL at large. After missing nearly three full seasons due to a significant knee injury and subsequent surgeries, the Avalanche captain is settling back into the routine of a regular NHL season.

Landeskog's injury troubles began during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading to surgery in the summer of that year. Complications arose, and what was initially expected to be a short absence turned into a prolonged period on the sidelines, with Landeskog missing the entirety of the 2022-23, 2023-24, and the regular season of 2024-25. He made a triumphant return during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, playing five games in the first-round series against the Dallas Stars. Despite the Avalanche being eliminated in Game 7, Landeskog contributed four points (one goal, three assists), showcasing his ability to still compete at a high level.

Now, heading into the 2025-26 season, Landeskog is expected to be a full participant. According to Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, Landeskog is "full go" and will not have any limitations placed on him unless he requests recovery time. This marks the first time since 2021 that Landeskog has been healthy at the start of training camp.

Landeskog himself has expressed his excitement about returning to the lineup. He stated that he "didn't grind for three years" just to return and participate; his goal is to win another Stanley Cup. Teammate Nathan MacKinnon echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the desire to win multiple championships with the team's core. Landeskog's presence is seen as invaluable, with head coach Jared Bednar noting that Landeskog serves as a crucial link between the coaches and players, understanding the team's needs and communicating effectively.

While Landeskog is expected to be ready for the rigors of the season, the Avalanche plan to monitor his physical workload to ensure he remains healthy, especially heading into the playoffs. Bednar has stated that he will not limit Landeskog's minutes or sit him out of games when he feels good but will remain cautious and responsive to Landeskog's feedback regarding his conditioning. Landeskog acknowledged that managing his recovery and off-ice preparation will be crucial throughout the season.

Despite the positive outlook, Landeskog has faced some unusual luck early in the season. Several of his goals and assists have been taken off the board due to various circumstances, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the game. Nevertheless, his impact on the team is undeniable, and the Avalanche are currently enjoying a strong start to the season.

With Landeskog back in the fold and the team relatively healthy, the Avalanche are considered a deep team with a strong chance of making another deep playoff run. The team's focus is on playing their best in the playoffs, and Landeskog's leadership and skill will be vital to their success. As Landeskog himself said, the goal is to "win another Stanley Cup and hopefully win multiple," reflecting the high aspirations within the Avalanche organization.