The Colorado Avalanche announced on Sunday that their captain, Gabriel Landeskog, is week to week with a lower-body injury. The 33-year-old Swede took a shot to the groin during Friday’s shootout victory over the Dallas Stars. Despite the painful incident, Landeskog recorded an assist in that game.
This setback comes after Landeskog had been a steady presence for the Avalanche this season. The team improved to 43-10-9 with a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, solidifying their position among the NHL’s elite.
How the injury occurred
Landeskog was battling along the boards in the Dallas game when a Stars player fired a shot that struck him directly in the groin area. He crumpled to the ice in visible agony but managed to stay in the game long enough to contribute on a goal. Trainers attended to him immediately after, and he did not return for the shootout.
The Avalanche pulled out the win in dramatic fashion, highlighting their depth even without their leader at full strength. Coach Jared Bednar praised Landeskog’s toughness post-game, noting how he pushed through the pain for the assist. This type of injury can sideline players for varying lengths, often depending on swelling and internal recovery.
Earlier in the season, similar lower-body issues have plagued NHL stars. For instance, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby dealt with a lower-body injury during the Olympics, landing on IR for weeks. Landeskog’s history makes fans cautious.
Medical evaluations confirmed no structural damage, but the team opted for caution with their captain. Expect updates weekly as he progresses through rehab.
The timing stings, with the Avalanche in a tight race atop the Central Division. Their recent form—wins over Dallas and Minnesota—shows resilience.
Landeskog’s strong 2025-26 season
Landeskog has been a model of consistency, posting nine goals and 20 assists in 47 games. His plus-minus rating and leadership have anchored the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. At 33, he’s playing some of his best hockey since returning from long-term absence.
His physical style—59 hits and robust shot volume—defines the Avalanche’s forecheck. Landeskog’s seven power-play goals rank among the league’s best for forwards.
- Key stats highlights:
- Goals: 9 (tied for team lead in clutch situations)
- Assists: 20 (many on MacKinnon’s snipes)
- Shots: 86 (aggressive approach)
- Plus/minus: +18 (elite defensively)
Comparisons to his 2018-19 peak, when he hit 34 goals, show he’s close to that form. Teammates credit his return for sparking the team’s dominance.
Without him, the Avalanche leaned on Valeri Nichushkin and Martin Necas in recent wins. Necas notched four points against Dallas.
Landeskog’s net-front presence will be missed in upcoming games.
Prior injury challenges and Olympic triumph
Landeskog missed over a month earlier this season with another lower-body issue but staged a remarkable comeback. He returned just in time for Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Named captain, he helped Sweden advance before a tough quarterfinal OT loss to the USA.
In January, an upper-body injury against the Panthers had him out “some weeks,” echoing this timeline. Fans recall his crash into the goalpost, needing help off the ice. For more on that scare, check Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog injured against Panthers.
His Olympic performance silenced doubters. “It was emotional to be back,” Landeskog said post-tournament. Sweden’s 5-1 prelim win over Latvia showcased his grit.
Recovery protocols have improved, allowing quicker returns. Details on his knee rehab and playoff implications are covered in Gabriel Landeskog return to Colorado Avalanche regular season.
This resilience defines Landeskog, a two-way leader.
Impact on the Avalanche’s championship push
The Avalanche sit atop the NHL standings at 43-10-9, but losing Landeskog tests their depth. Recent back-to-back wins—over Buffalo 6-3 and Anaheim 4-1—prove they can win gritty games. See full recap on NHL.com.
MacKinnon leads with 42 goals, but Landeskog’s captaincy stabilizes the room. Coach Bednar called him “irreplaceable” after the Wild win.
Potential line shuffles could elevate prospects like Necas, who exploded lately. The power play, already lethal, might dip without his screen.
Historical parallels: In 2022, injuries fueled their Cup run via depth. This squad mirrors that.
Trade deadline looms—could they add a rental forward? Their record suggests no panic.
Fans worry about playoffs, where Landeskog thrives.
Looking ahead: Recovery outlook and team response
Week-to-week status offers hope; many return in 2-3 weeks. Landeskog’s history favors optimism. “He’s a warrior,” Bednar said. Track his stats on ESPN.
The Avalanche face Anaheim Tuesday, then a tough Central slate. Wins keep momentum.
For Landeskog, focused rehab means skating soon. His first goal since 2022 ignited recent streaks—expect more.
This injury tests Colorado’s mettle but underscores their contender status. A healthy Landeskog in playoffs could seal another deep run. What it means for the Cup: they’re built to overcome.
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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.