THN.com/podcast. Recorded on April 3, 2023. Gabriel Landeskog [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk3MjI5OTc5NzE1NTExNjE1/usatsi_18542878.jpg] Gabriel Landeskog The Colorado Avalanche broke some disheartening news on Thursday evening, announcing that forward Gabriel Landeskog will miss the entire 2022-23 NHL playoffs due to a knee injury. The 30-year-old had yet to play at all this season after undergoing knee surgery in the summer. Despite reports indicating that he was attempting to return in time for the playoffs, it appears as if Landeskog's year is officially done. It's yet another massive injury hurdle thrust in the Avalanche's way this season, as the club also currently finds themselves without defensemen Cale Makar and Josh Manson. Thankfully, however, the former is expected to be ready for Game 1. Still, losing their captain is no small challenge. Landeskog is a vital part of Colorado's core, a money-in-the-bank goal-scorer who produced an impressive 30 goals and 29 assists for 59 points in 51 games last season before also chipping in 11 goals and 11 assists in 20 playoff games. Without him, the Avalanche will need to get continued production from their forward depth to merely tread water. If anyone can overcome something like this, though, it's the Avs. They're second in the Central Division heading into Thursday's games, are 8-1-1 in their past 10 games and have the NHL's fourth-best points percentage since Jan. 1. Here's hoping Landeskog can still make a full recovery ahead of next season.
