Gabriel Landeskog returns for Game 3, marking his first NHL appearance in three years.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Gabriel Landeskog, the captain of the Colorado Avalanche, made his return to the NHL after nearly three years on Wednesday night, participating in a 2-1 overtime defeat against the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. This marked his first appearance since June 26, 2022, when he celebrated a Stanley Cup victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Landeskog had been recovering from a chronic injury to his right knee. He played alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, logging just over four minutes in the first period. He made an immediate impact by delivering a hit on Stars forward Mikko Rantanen, a former teammate. Although he did not register any shots on goal, he led his team with six hits in 13:16 of ice time. The Stars now lead the series 2-1. Landeskog expressed his feelings about returning, stating, 'Felt great in all areas tonight in terms of being back. Very special night regardless of the outcome.' The lead-up to the game was emotional for him, with the crowd giving him ovations and chanting his name, while his children held a sign that read, 'So proud of you Daddy!' The team also honored him with a video tribute, to which he responded by tapping his heart in gratitude. He described feeling 'blessed and very fortunate' to receive such a warm welcome from the fans. 'I don't know exactly what was going through my mind and body at that time, but it was pretty special, and that's a memory for life. Simple as that,' he remarked. 'Avs faithful, they make it special, you know? It's a special place to play, it's a special place to live and raise a family. And obviously the last three years have been difficult at times. And to come back and feel that love, I mean, incredible. So it means a lot.' Landeskog also noted that Rantanen greeted him warmly during the opening faceoff, saying, 'Regardless of what jersey he wears I love him. He's a good friend of mine.'

In this series, it is evident that we are not friends during the game; however, it is indeed a remarkable experience to be on the ice. This marked Landeskog's first appearance with the Avalanche in 1,032 days, making him the fifth player in NHL history, among those with at least 700 games played, to return to his team after a hiatus of 1,000 days or more, as noted by NHL Stats. The last player to achieve this was the legendary Avalanche forward and Hall of Famer, Peter Forsberg. 'I feel unexpectedly calm and composed at this moment. I anticipate that the nerves and excitement will surface, without a doubt,' Landeskog remarked in a pregame interview. 'I have reflected on this moment frequently over the past three years. Now that it has arrived, my thoughts are focused on the hard work that has led to this point, including the challenges faced, numerous sacrifices, and the support I have received throughout the journey. I am grateful for everyone and their encouragement, but now it is time to perform, and I am eager to take the ice.' Landeskog's return is expected to significantly uplift not only his teammates but also the enthusiastic crowd, as his No. 92 jersey is a common sight in the arena. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with excitement. 'Everyone is cheering for him. It is a remarkable comeback narrative,' stated Avs coach Jared Bednar following the morning skate. 'I have confidence in Gabe's preparation, and what I observe confirms that he is nearing readiness to play. He appears to be in a good place. His reintegration into our locker room is invaluable; he serves almost as an extension of the coaching staff while still being one of the players that everyone admires. This is particularly beneficial at this time of year.'

Gabriel Landeskog's injury originated during the 2019-20 season when he was inadvertently cut above the knee by the skate of his teammate Cale Makar in a playoff match against Dallas. On May 10, 2023, Landeskog underwent a cartilage transplant and has since been placed on long-term injured reserve. He was activated on Monday prior to Game 2 in Dallas and participated in pregame warmups, although he did not play. Stars forward Matt Duchene, who was once Landeskog's teammate, continues to maintain a close friendship with him. During a timeout in Game 3, Landeskog was honored with a video tribute, which he watched alongside his teammates. Duchene expressed, 'We have been supporting him in his return. Clearly, having a player of his caliber absent makes our job more challenging, but on a personal level, everyone is pleased to witness the progress he has made. I am genuinely delighted that he has reached this stage.' However, this does not imply that the Stars will show leniency towards Landeskog, nor will he show any towards them. Rantanen, a 2015 first-round pick by Colorado who was traded to Carolina in January and subsequently to Dallas in March, remarked, 'It is extraordinary that he is making a comeback, as a friend. Yet, as an opponent, there will be no mercy.' The 32-year-old Landeskog recently completed a two-game conditioning assignment with the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League and practiced with the Avalanche in preparation for their playoff opener.