The Avalanche are extremely healthy before the playoffs begin

The Colorado Avalanche are in a good spot before their Round 1 series with the Dallas Stars begins this weekend.

The Avs held an optional practice on Tuesday, and everyone was accounted for. That includes captain Gabriel Landeskog, who is back from his conditioning stint with the Colorado Eagles after playing two games over the weekend.

Optional but looks like some pretty important players will skate today who missed some of the last few games.

Landeskog, Drouin, MacKinnon, Toews, Colton, Makar, Nichushkin, Manson, and Lehkonen all out there. Lindgren working on his own.

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) April 15, 2025

Evan Rawal added that Josh Manson joined as well, so every injured player was on the ice.

Guys like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar not playing in the last couple of regular season games was more precautionary. Whereas Jonathan Drouin, Ross Colton, Manson and others were battling legitimate injuries, but look like they have a shot to be out there for Game 1.

As for Landeskog, head coach Jared Bednar was coy in his response about whether or not the Avalanche’s captain would play, but that was predictable. It’s gamesmanship before a postseason series with a rival.

“It could be ramp-up for Game 1, or maybe not. I’ll just have to see how the week goes,” Bednar told the media on Tuesday.

Bednar added that he’s hopeful the Avalanche will be fully healthy to start the tilt with the Stars, a good sign with Game 1 not coming up until Saturday or Sunday. The NHL hasn’t released an official schedule just yet, although there are reports Colorado and Dallas will start on Saturday

All of this is great news overall, particularly the fact the Landeskog is back in the mix. He’s made his return to competitive hockey, now we wait and see if he gets an NHL game under his belt.

Regardless, the Avalanche are healthy, and that’s how you want your roster to be in April. Buckle up, the fun starts soon.