Gabriel Landeskog Provides Update on His Return, MacFarland Discusses Val Nichushkin’s Future with the Avalanche

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

At a press event, Gabriel Landeskog, the leader of the Colorado Avalanche, appeared in everyday clothes, hinting at his intention to continue playing, not retire.

Despite being sidelined for the previous two seasons because of a knee injury, Landeskog is on the mend. However, a precise timeline for his comeback remains unclear.

Val Nichushkin, a forward from Russia, has been benched due to infractions of the NHL/NHLPA player support program. His participation next season is in jeopardy, although a resurgence is plausible should Nichushkin resolve his underlying issues, as per MacFarland's statements.

Landeskog faces challenges in supporting Nichushkin but stresses the necessity of guiding him towards help, aligning with the team’s objectives.

Haven’t competed since June 2022 due to his injury, Landeskog shared his agony over being unable to play, especially during the crucial playoff period.

MacFarland underlined Landeskog’s vital role and the complexities of managing his recuperation amidst salary cap restrictions.

In discussions about Nichushkin, MacFarland emphasized the essentiality of building back trust following his absences and addressed contractual matters.

The journey to recover from Landeskog's injury, originating from 2020, has been lengthy.

Aiming for a comeback, Landeskog is motivated by the desire to perform not just for his teammates but also in front of his family, hoping they get to see him play again.

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