Veteran forward suits up for 1st game since 2022 in Game 3 vs Stars
© Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Gabriel Landeskog’s return to hockey was worth the wait.
The Colorado Avalanche captain’s kids and fans gave Landeskog a warm welcome back before Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round against the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
Landeskog played his first game since Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 26, 2022, after spending three years recovering from knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant in 2023.
During warmups, Landeskog’s son, Luke, and daughter, Linnea, held up a homemade sign that read, “So proud of you Daddy!”
So proud 💙❤️#GoAvsGo | #BuiltDifferent pic.twitter.com/TeDXJ4c9OP
The veteran forward skated over and flipped his kids a puck over the glass. His wife, Melissa, wiped away tears as she watched her husband on the ice.
A gift for his biggest supporters!#GoAvsGo | #BuiltDifferent pic.twitter.com/FAFaLCUFIS
Landeskog’s friends and family wore custom No. 92 shirts as they sat in a suite together.
Avalanche fans in the stands started a “Landy” chant as their captain skated on the ice for warmups and before the National Anthem.
Good to have you back, Landy! 😁

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They gave Landeskog another rousing extended ovation when he was announced as a starter.
Your @Avalanche captain, Gabriel Landeskog. 🔊 #StanleyCup

🇺🇸: @espn ➡️ https://t.co/m0LyTCHYnH
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/r1546W9hZg
The party is just getting started in Denver.

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