Gabriel Landeskog’s Return Boosts Avalanche with Stellar NHL EDGE Stats

Gabriel Landeskog © Pinterest

After a 1,032-day absence, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog made a triumphant return to the ice in Game 3 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs’ Western Conference First Round against the Dallas Stars. Despite the Avalanche trailing 2-1 in the best-of-7 series following a 2-1 overtime loss, Landeskog’s comeback after a persistent knee injury brought a surge of energy and showcased his potential as a game-changer, backed by impressive NHL EDGE stats. His performance and historical advanced metrics highlight why the 32-year-old forward remains a vital asset for Colorado’s championship aspirations.

A Long-Awaited Comeback

Landeskog’s return on April 23, 2025, marked his first NHL game since June 26, 2022, when he helped the Avalanche clinch the Stanley Cup. The veteran winger, sidelined by multiple knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant in May 2023, played 13:16 in Game 3, leading Colorado with six hits despite not recording a shot attempt. His physical presence energized Ball Arena, where fans greeted him with thunderous “LAN-DY!” chants and a hero’s welcome, a moment he called “a memory for life.”

The emotional lift was palpable. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, who started Landeskog alongside stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar to maximize the crowd’s ovation, praised his poise: “I was really happy with the way he played. He was physical right away, involved in a lot of different aspects of our game.” Teammate Charlie Coyle echoed the sentiment, noting Landeskog’s versatility: “He can out-skill you, outwill you, out-compete you. Those guys are hard to come by.”

NHL EDGE Stats: A Snapshot of Impact

Landeskog’s Game 3 performance shone through NHL EDGE puck and player tracking data, underscoring his ability to influence play despite the long layoff:

• Offensive Zone Time: At even strength, Landeskog posted a 45.2% offensive zone time percentage, ranking in the 86th percentile among postseason forwards. Across all strengths, his 45.8% rate placed him in the 85th percentile. These metrics reflect his ability to sustain pressure in the attacking zone, a hallmark of his power-forward style.
• Skating Speed: He recorded two speed bursts exceeding 20 mph, peaking at 21.18 mph in the third period, surpassing the 2025 postseason forward average of 21.02 mph. This speed, while below his career-high of 22.80 mph from the 2021-22 regular season, signals his retained athleticism.

These numbers, while promising, only scratch the surface of Landeskog’s potential impact, given his storied playoff history and advanced metrics from Colorado’s 2022 championship run.

A Proven Playoff Performer

Landeskog’s 2022 playoff performance cemented his reputation as a clutch player, with 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 20 games. His NHL EDGE stats from that postseason were elite, ranking him among the NHL’s best:

• High-Danger Dominance: Tied for 4th league-wide in high-danger shots on goal (26) and 3rd in high-danger goals (6), showcasing his knack for creating and converting in prime scoring areas.
• Offensive Zone Control: Ranked 7th overall (4th among forwards) with a 48.8% offensive zone time percentage and led the NHL with a 67.3% power-play offensive zone time percentage, driving Colorado’s lethal special teams.
• Skating Stamina: Placed 7th among forwards in total skating distance (66.02 miles) and 4th in even-strength skating distance (57.43 miles), reflecting his relentless work rate.
• Midrange Scoring: Tied for 6th in midrange goals (3), adding versatility to his offensive arsenal.

These metrics highlight Landeskog’s ability to dominate high-pressure situations, a trait that could prove invaluable as the Avalanche aim to overcome their series deficit.

Historical Context and Career Excellence

A two-time 30-goal scorer, Landeskog has twice eclipsed a point-per-game pace in the regular season (75 points in 73 games in 2018-19; 59 points in 51 games in 2021-22). His 2021-22 regular-season NHL EDGE stats further illustrate his all-around impact:

• Offensive Zone Time: 46.3%, 95th percentile among forwards.
• High-Danger Production: 19 high-danger goals (95th percentile) and 71 high-danger shots on goal (89th percentile).
• Top Speed: 22.80 mph, 82nd percentile, showcasing his blend of power and agility.

With 571 points (248 goals, 323 assists) in 738 regular-season games and 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists) in 70 playoff games, Landeskog ranks among the Avalanche’s all-time greats. His physicality, leadership, and scoring touch make him a unique asset.

Growing Role in the Playoffs

Following his “shockingly good” Game 3 return, Landeskog earned a promotion to the second line alongside Valeri Nichushkin and Brock Nelson for Game 4, with time on the first power-play unit. He scored his first goal in 1,041 days in a 4-0 Game 4 win, bolstering Colorado’s momentum. Advanced stats from that game were staggering: with Landeskog on the ice at 5-on-5, the Avalanche held a 98% expected goal share and outshot Dallas 8-0, per Natural Stat Trick.

Landeskog himself noted no physical issues post-Game 3, emphasizing the need to adapt quickly: “Every game is super useful. Every shift is super important.” His ability to regain timing while contributing physically (six hits in Game 3) and offensively suggests he’s shaking off rust rapidly.

An X-Factor for Colorado’s Cup Hopes

While Landeskog’s offensive role remains fluid due to his three-year absence, his NHL EDGE stats and playoff pedigree position him as a potential X-factor. His high-danger scoring, offensive zone dominance, and physicality could tilt tight games, especially as he logs more ice time. Former teammate Matt Duchene, now with Dallas, called his return “bigger than hockey,” while Avalanche coach Bednar lauded his “remarkable” poise under the circumstances.

The Avalanche face an uphill battle, but Landeskog’s presence—evidenced by his Game 3 EDGE stats and Game 4 impact—offers hope. As he continues to integrate, his leadership and two-way play could spark a turnaround, echoing his pivotal role in the 2022 Cup run. With fans and teammates rallying behind their captain’s inspiring comeback, Landeskog’s return is not just a statistical boost but a testament to resilience, fueling Colorado’s drive for another Stanley Cup.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer