Gabe Landeskog will make his return, play for Colorado Eagles Friday

It’s official.

After almost three years of recovery from a knee injury, Gabe Landeskog will make his return to the ice on Friday for the Colorado Eagles. He was recently assigned to the Eagles on a conditioning assignment earlier this week, and after a successful go at morning skate on Friday, it was announced that he would be making his debut for the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate Friday.

Gabriel Landeskog will be making his Colorado Eagles debut this evening. pic.twitter.com/xg7eyu2B2p

— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 11, 2025

The last time Landeskog was seen on the ice for a game was on June 26, 2022, for Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals when the Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the franchise’s third Stanley Cup. It’s been a long road back for him since.

The captain can play three games with the Eagles before the Avalanche have to activate him off the LTIR. The Eagles have two home games Friday and Saturday before heading to Ontario for a road game on Wednesday. It will be up to Landeskog to see how he’s feeling, and the Avs’ staff to see if it’s worth it for him to utilize the third game of his assignment.

Landeskog, the second overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, is one of the greatest players in franchise history. He ranks sixth in franchise history in games played, eighth in goals and ninth in assists. In the 2022 Stanley Cup run, he had 22 points, the fourth-most on the team.

An even better sign for Avs fans was that Landy was seen back in his favorite spot at Eagles practice on Monday, right in front of the net waiting for tip-in opportunities to come his way.

Gabe Landeskog, right back to the front of the net. pic.twitter.com/6VWprl7Kg8

— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) April 11, 2025

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said that this is a process that will be taken one day at a time, and gave no insight to what the captain’s plan for play is beyond Friday’s game.

Taylor Makar, who recently made the transition from NCAA hockey to the AHL, is excited to see the scenes at Blue Arena tonight. Landeskog was on the ice for his brother’s first goal with the Avalanche, and could repeat history if Makar finds the back of the net Friday.

“My first game was pretty unreal seeing the atmosphere but I feel like tonight is going to be absolutely crazy,” Makar said at morning skate Friday.

Makar wasn’t just focused on the atmosphere that the captain will bring to Loveland on Friday, as Landeskog’s presence at practice with the Eagles has been invaluable for the young guys on the roster fighting to make it to the big leagues.

“He’s an absolute leader. He’s the captain … Everyone respects him and knows how great of a player and person he is. It’s pretty amazing being on the ice with him and chatting with him in the locker room … You’re just trying to learn everything you can from him. We’re all pretty pumped to see him out on the ice.”

Eagles head coach Aaron Schneekloth also knows how important of a learning experience Landeskog’s presence can be for the younger players on the Eagles.

“It’s a unique situation to have someone of his stature come and join us for some skates this week and be in our locker room,” Schneekloth said Friday. “It’s a great opportunity for our young guys to learn a lot from him.”

Friday’s Eagles game will be able to watch for free for all Avalanche fans aiming to get a sight of their captain on the ice, thanks to FloHockey. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. from Loveland.