While there are still about four or five games to be played in the NHL, all eyes are starting to turn towards the Milano Cortina Olympics. The hockey tournament has particularly drawn some intrigue. A powerhouse squad that has all to gain in this competition is none other than Sweden. But, will they have Colorado Avalanche star Gabriel Landeskog? Coach Jared Bednar cleared the air on the injury situation of his winger.
Landeskog’s Olympic return schedule is tight
The Avalanche star has not been on the ice since he fell during their January 4 game against the Florida Panthers. Since then, Landeskog has been recovering from an upper body injury and has not seen any playing time. However and to many people’s surprise, he was still kept in Team Sweden’s Milano Cortina Olympics roster. So, it was a safe bet that he would return and get some reps before the games started in Italy.
Coach Bednar outlined that there are very positive signs that indicate Landeskog’s return nears, via NHL.com.
“He’s getting better. He’s doing more and more in the gym, he’s hitting the ice now, he’s still limited a little bit. He’s sore. Time will tell, but the goal would be for him to be able to go play for the Olympics, and he’s still targeting that. He really wants to play and I really want him to go play,” the Avalanche head coach said.
Prior to going down due to the injury, the Avalanche have benefitted off Landeskog’s heroics. He played 41 games while delivering 15 assists and scoring seven goals. The Colorado and Team Sweden star clearly has the spirit, albeit Coach Bednar remains nervous about rushing his return for a grueling competition like the Olympics.
“There’s always a little bit of nervousness when you’ve got players going that maybe aren’t fully healthy, but he’ll do the right thing and I’m really hoping that we can watch him in the Olympic tournament because it’s something that he really wants to do — play for his country again. He’s earned that with his season. Hopefully everything works out, but it’s going to be tight,” he added.
Clearly, Landeskog is eager to play for Sweden during his prime. He was not able to do it at the Four Nations Face-Off in 2025 because of an injury. The Avalanche star would not want the same thing to be said about the Olympics.
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