Former Avalanche captain to suit up for AHL game, could return for playoffs

When the Avalanche announced that Landeskog had been assigned to the Colorado Eagles, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Avalanche, on a conditioning loan, the buzz of his return became real. It’s been a rough season for the Avalanche on the bench with the trade of longtime winger Mikko Rantanen. With the playoffs on the horizon, having Landeskog back on the team could be a huge morale boost, even if he only plays one shift.

Losing a player to injury is always hard to swallow, but losing a leader can take the wind out of a team’s sails, especially after Landeskog helped lead the Avalanche to their first Stanley Cup since 2001. Named team captain at 19 years and 286 days old, he beat out Sidney Crosby for the youngest captain by 11 days. During the 2021-22 season, Landeskog had 30 goals and 29 assists.

The first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs is already set, with Colorado taking on the Dallas Stars. The Stars are currently on a four-game losing streak after being red-hot for most of March. Colorado leads their regular season series 2-1, so they have a slight advantage going into the first postseason game.

Landeskog will suit up for the Eagles on Friday and could play up to three games as part of the loan assignment.