“As I said in April, at that point we came to the conclusion that coming back and playing in the playoffs was not an option and not something we could do.” , heard opinions and learned more about what the different procedures would be.
“This is what we feel is the best way and the best solution for me to come back and play hockey again. Excited to take the first steps tomorrow morning.” doing.
“I think it’s an unusual procedure for elite athletes, even more so for hockey players, but basketball players do it and I’ve actually talked to [Chicago Bulls point guard] Probably at this point, Lonzo Ball, who just did the same procedure a few months ago. He’s had a few minor procedures and such over the last 14 months, just like I did. ”
The Avalanche captain has missed the Stanley Cup playoffs and all of this season after undergoing knee surgery in October. He hasn’t played since June 26, 2022, when Colorado beat Tampa Bay in Game 6 of the Cup finals to the Lightning, where he won 2–1 and helped Colorado win Stanley his cup. got an assist to help
“It was first mentioned to me in September of 2022, so yeah, in September of this year, with the options that we’ve just gone through, but in my opinion, at the right time, all possible options. “Yeah, my knee has been bothering me for a long time, but sticking with rehab, taking your time, doing it right, and making certain deadlines and timelines doesn’t mean you have to rush anything.” No. At the time, I was confident I could go back and play, but I probably didn’t realize the damage had already happened.”
Landskog also underwent knee surgery on March 21, 2022. He missed his 23 games, but in his 20 playoff games he recorded 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) and a team-high plus-15 to help Colorado win the Cup. i’m back. He underwent quadriceps surgery during the 2020 postseason.
“The timeline goes back to the 2020 bubble,” he said in April. “It’s like a freak accident that happened there. Until then, I had no knee problems. One thing led to the next, and it got progressively worse over the next year.” [last] Seasons began to haunt me every day. It got worse and worse until I had my first surgery. At that point, I didn’t really understand the complexity of injuries and how one injury compensates. ”
Landskog said Tuesday he is confident he will play again.
“To be honest, I never thought about retiring,” he said. “I’ve spent a lot of time on it. When you come back, I know it won’t be perfect for me from the start. It’s been a long time since I’ve been out of the game, but I’m building my confidence.” I have confidence in myself as an athlete. And I know I’m ready.
The 30-year-old has 571 points (248 goals, 323 assists) in 738 regular-season games, and 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists) in 69 playoff games, all with Colorado.
Avalanche general manager Chris McFarland said, “Gabe Landescog is a really special player in the NHL and his importance to our team is beyond ice.” , it’s really hard just to replace the captain.As good a player as he is on the ice and what he does on the ice.He’s a difficult guy to replace.”
MacFarland also provided injury updates for several other Avalanche players, including the goalkeeper. Pavel Franksforward Arturi RaekkonenDefenseman Josh Manson and center Andrew Coriano.
“Pavel Franks has had adductor surgery and I know that Arturi Raekkonen broke his finger and then his toe…when he comes back early.He’s done it.” “Josh Manson[lower body]also had surgery last week. So these are guys who have played a lot all year, and then how many others?” There was this man.”
Coriano fractured the C5 lamina in his neck after being hit by the Seattle Kraken forward Jordan Hebert He was playing through an AC sprain he suffered in Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round in a 3–2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on April 13th.
“As far as I know, Cogs will recover in six to eight weeks,” MacFarland said. “I could be out of that timeline, but I don’t think anything is expected procedurally at this point.”
Colorado (50-24-7) finished first in the Central Division this season, but lost seven games in the first round to Seattle.
NHL.com Independent Correspondent Ryan Boulding contributed to this report.