Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog suffered an injury early in the second period during his team’s game against the Florida Panthers on Sunday night in Sunrise, Florida. The 33-year-old Swede lost his footing while battling for a loose puck, toe-picking with his left skate before sliding uncontrollably into the Panthers’ net. He struck the goalpost with his midsection and came to a stop against the end boards, remaining down for over a minute as medical staff attended to him.
Unable to skate off under his own power, Landeskog was assisted by the Avalanche trainer and teammate Nathan MacKinnon, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd as he headed to the locker room. There has been no immediate update on the severity of the injury, though it appeared his left knee buckled on the play. This comes after Landeskog overcame a chronic right knee issue that sidelined him for nearly three years.
The incident unfolds
Landeskog was chasing a puck near the Panthers’ crease when disaster struck. His left skate caught a rut in the ice, causing him to lose balance and crash hard into the iron goalpost. Eyewitness accounts describe him clutching at his midsection and leg, lying prone as the arena held its breath.
The Avalanche medical team rushed to his side, stabilizing him before helping him to his feet. MacKinnon, a close friend and linemate, provided arm support as they slowly made their way off the ice. Play was halted for several minutes, underscoring the gravity of the moment.
This type of non-contact injury is particularly concerning in hockey, where awkward falls can lead to ligament damage or fractures. Fans and analysts immediately recalled similar incidents involving high-profile players like Sidney Crosby in past seasons.
Social media lit up with concern, with posts from accounts like Sportsnet sharing video of the crash. The silence in the arena turned to applause, a testament to Landeskog’s popularity across the league.
Landeskog’s remarkable comeback journey
Landeskog’s return to the NHL has been one of the league’s most inspiring stories. After leading the Avalanche to the 2022 Stanley Cup, he underwent multiple procedures on his right knee, including a cartilage transplant, missing nearly three full seasons. For more on his return to the Colorado Avalanche regular season in 2025, including knee updates and playoff implications, check our detailed timeline.
He made his long-awaited comeback in last season’s playoffs, playing five games after over 1,000 days away. This season marked his first full regular-season slate since 2022, appearing in all 41 games.
His perseverance paid off early, as seen when he scored his first regular-season goal since 2022 in a win over the Ducks. That emotional moment fueled the team’s momentum.
Landeskog tallied seven goals and 15 assists, anchoring the top line and providing veteran leadership. His presence has been crucial to Colorado’s blistering 31-2-7 start, on pace for the second-most points through 41 games in NHL history.
Impact on the surging Avalanche
The Avalanche entered the game as the NHL’s top team, boasting a historic record. Landeskog’s injury casts a shadow over their dominance, especially with key players like MacKinnon relying on his chemistry.
Colorado managed to hold a 1-1 tie midway through the second period after the incident, but his absence tests their depth. Forwards like Mikko Rantanen and Artturi Lehkonen will need to step up.
Historically, teams lose momentum with captain injuries—recall the 2019 Bruins without Patrice Bergeron. Yet the Avs’ roster depth, bolstered by recent acquisitions, offers resilience.
Short-term, expect lineup shuffles. Long-term, this could affect their Central Division lead and playoff seeding.
- Key stats without Landeskog so far this season: Avalanche outscored opponents 150-85 in 41 games.
- Top-line production: Landeskog-MacKinnon-Rantanen combined for 120 points.
- Injury history parallels: Similar to Nathan MacKinnon’s 2024 absence, team went 8-3-1.
Olympic dreams in jeopardy
Landeskog was recently named to Sweden’s roster for the Milan Cortina Olympics next month, a crowning achievement after his health battles. Missing the tournament would be a personal blow.
Sweden relies on his leadership alongside stars like Elias Pettersson and William Nylander. His status adds uncertainty to international preparations.
NHL players returning for the Olympics marks a rare convergence, heightening the stakes. ESPN’s coverage notes his selection amid Colorado’s hot streak.
Recovery timelines for knee or rib injuries vary from weeks to months, per league precedents.
Looking ahead: What it means for Colorado
No official diagnosis has been released as of Monday morning, with the team promising updates soon. Early speculation points to a lower-body issue, possibly unrelated to his repaired right knee. Colorado Hockey Now detailed the toe-pick mechanism, emphasizing the non-contact nature.
Fans await imaging results, hopeful for a quick turnaround. The Avalanche’s depth chart suggests they can weather a short absence, but prolonged time out risks their historic pace.
Landeskog’s resilience offers optimism—he’s defied odds before. For now, the hockey world wishes him a swift recovery, eyeing his role in Colorado’s championship chase. This injury tests the team’s mettle, but their talent run deep.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.