The Colorado Avalanche are facing a major dilemma as the NHL trade deadline approaches, with Gabriel Landeskog’s potential return still shrouded in uncertainty. Head coach Jared Bednar addressed the situation on Thursday, admitting that while there isn’t much new information, the uncertainty surrounding their captain is undoubtedly shaping the team’s trade approach.
“No real change or new updates on Gabe’s situation,” Bednar revealed. “I’m sure it impacts our thought process heading into the deadline what kind of moves we can make and what assets we pursue. But I try to stay out of that and focus on coaching.”
Despite traveling with the team this season, Landeskog has yet to participate in an official practice, as reported by Colleen Flynn of Colorado Hockey Now. His last recorded skate was on January 16, and he has not played a single game since helping Colorado hoist the Stanley Cup in June 2022. The star forward underwent a cartilage transplant in May 2023, and his comeback remains a question mark.
Bednar emphasized that Landeskog’s return timeline is still in the hands of medical professionals. “It’s up to Gabe and our medical team to determine if or when he can return,” he said. “With only seven weeks left, he’s working hard to get back to a place where he feels ready. But whether that happens in the regular season, deep into the playoffs, or even at all this year is still unknown.”
General manager Chris MacFarland echoed that uncertainty in a conversation with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun on January 26, stating that while Landeskog is progressing in his rehab, there’s still no definitive timeline for his return.
Financially, Landeskog’s $7 million cap hit currently sits on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), giving Colorado a valuable $4.7 million in cap space to maneuver ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. However, the situation presents a tricky balancing act. If Landeskog is cleared before the playoffs, his salary would be reactivated, significantly limiting the Avalanche’s ability to acquire high-priced talent.
For now, Colorado remains in a holding pattern, waiting to see whether their captain can rejoin the fight this season or if they’ll need to reinforce their roster without him.
