The Colorado Avalanche’s hopes for another deep playoff run this season have been buoyed by the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who continues to prove his value both on and off the ice. On Sunday, the 32-year-old forward demonstrated that his comeback from a prolonged injury absence is not just about his skill set, but also his leadership and willingness to stand up for teammates.
In the third period of a preseason matchup against the Utah Mammoth, Landeskog dropped the gloves with winger Sam Lipkin after Lipkin elbowed star defenseman Cale Makar out of the game. The response was immediate and decisive – a reminder of why Landeskog has long been regarded as the heartbeat of the Avalanche locker room.
“In that moment, I wasn’t thinking about whether it’s preseason or not,” Landeskog told reporters afterward. “You see one of your players go down, honestly, it doesn’t matter if it’s our best player or not, someone’s got to do something.”
The exchange may have come in a preseason setting, but it carried the weight of regular-season intensity. It reinforced the perception that Landeskog is fully invested and ready to resume his role as a key contributor after years of battling injuries that kept him sidelined for extended stretches.
The Cap setting the tone. pic.twitter.com/GgmDIFR537
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 22, 2025
A Comeback That Resonates
Landeskog returned to the ice late last season, managing to suit up for the playoffs and posting four points in five games. His availability from the start of the 2025–26 campaign is essentially the equivalent of a major roster addition for Colorado. Slotting into the team’s top-six forward group, Landeskog is expected to line up alongside Brock Nelson and Artturi Lehkonen on a second line that could rank among the league’s strongest.
The Swedish forward’s durability will remain under close watch. After missing three full seasons, the biggest question is whether he can maintain his health across an 82-game grind. But the organization views his fiery response against Utah as a sign that Landeskog’s competitive spirit is as strong as ever – and that bodes well for a Colorado squad that enters the season with lofty expectations.
Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet
At his peak, Landeskog was a 30-goal, 60-point producer, but at this stage of his career, his contributions extend far beyond scoring totals. He remains a physical presence, a defensive asset, and, most importantly, a leader. For a roster headlined by elite talents like Nathan MacKinnon, Makar, and Martin Necas, Landeskog brings the balance of grit and accountability that championship-caliber teams require.
Former coach Jared Bednar has often emphasized the value of Landeskog’s presence, noting that his leadership helps stabilize a locker room brimming with star power. That dynamic was evident in Sunday’s altercation, where his actions immediately sent a message that opponents won’t be allowed to take liberties with Colorado’s top players.
The Bigger Picture
For the Avalanche, the timing of Landeskog’s return could hardly be better. The Central Division is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with multiple contenders eyeing deep postseason runs. Having their captain healthy and engaged from the outset adds depth, versatility, and a psychological edge that could tip the balance in Colorado’s favor.
Landeskog himself may not replicate the offensive production of his younger years, but if he stays on the ice, his influence could be the difference between being a playoff team and being a true Stanley Cup threat. His fight against Utah was more than just a scrap in the preseason; it was a statement of intent – both for himself and for the Avalanche.
As the puck drops on the new season, all eyes will be on whether Landeskog can sustain his form and health. If he does, the Avalanche’s championship window may be wider than ever, with their captain once again leading the charge.