UPDATE: Colorado Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog will miss several weeks due to an upper-body injury sustained during a game against the Florida Panthers. The injury raises urgent concerns about his participation in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, set to begin in just 36 days in Milan.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Landeskog’s injury is serious but stated it is “too early to rule him out” for the Olympics. Landeskog crashed into the net and the boards during Sunday night’s game, marking a troubling setback after he had just returned from a lengthy absence of 1,020 days due to knee issues.
Bednar explained, “He’s going to miss some time… We’ll evaluate and see how he’s feeling. We’ll have a better idea when we get back.” The Avalanche captain was a key contributor this season and had been a lock for Sweden’s Olympic roster following his recent performances.
In addition to Landeskog, Devon Toews is also week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Bednar noted that Toews’ situation is less severe, and he could return sooner, potentially allowing him to participate in the Olympics as well. “If we can get him back in a couple of weeks, that would be the best-case scenario,” Bednar added.
This news is not just a blow for the Avalanche, who face a crucial stretch of games, but it also casts a shadow over the hopes of both players representing their countries on the Olympic stage. Landeskog’s absence could significantly impact Team Sweden, who rely on his leadership and experience.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the Avalanche prepare for their next games without two of their star players. The team will provide updates on both Landeskog and Toews as they undergo evaluations in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this developing story as the Avalanche navigate this challenging period with their roster.
