The Uncharted Comeback: Gabe Landeskog's Battle Back to the Ice

A Shared Dream

Imagine that electrifying moment: Gabe Landeskog, back on the ice at Ball Arena, the roar of the crowd echoing his return. It's a dream shared not just by Avalanche faithful, but by Landeskog himself, a vision that has fueled him through an arduous, nearly three-year journey.

A Thousand Days and Counting

Over 1,000 days have passed since Landeskog last laced up his skates for the Avalanche. A grueling battle with a knee injury, multiple surgeries, and a groundbreaking cartilage replacement surgery have kept him sidelined. The road back has been shrouded in mystery, with updates sparse and purposefully vague. Until now.

A Clean Sheet: Unveiling the Journey

A new five-part docuseries, "A Clean Sheet," offers an intimate glimpse into Landeskog's unwavering fight to reclaim his place in the NHL. The series chronicles the physical and emotional rollercoaster of this unprecedented comeback attempt, capturing both the triumphs and the setbacks.

"AJ's been a rock star throughout this whole thing," Landeskog said of the series director, AJ Oscarson. "He’s been there through the good times, tough times, and all of it in between."

The Mental Game: Finding Small Victories

Landeskog's recovery hasn't just been a physical battle. The mental strain of constant work without the tangible reward of victory has been a significant challenge. Journaling has been a key tool, helping him process the emotional complexities of the journey. He's learned to celebrate small wins – walking stairs, a successful workout – as milestones on the road to recovery.

"You've got to break it down in incremental parts," Landeskog reflects. "Like, can I get through this workout? Yes, you did. Check. That's a win."

From Fairytale to Uphill Battle

Landeskog's 2022 Stanley Cup victory was the stuff of dreams, achieved while playing on a deteriorating knee. But the subsequent surgeries and the long road to recovery have been anything but a fairytale. He's faced moments of despair, questioning his future and relying heavily on his support system.

A New Perspective: Beyond the Game

While the dream of returning to professional hockey burns bright, Landeskog acknowledges the profound impact this journey has had on his perspective. Simple things, once taken for granted – walking stairs, playing with his children – have become cherished victories. The surgery, a huge success from a life perspective, has given him a renewed appreciation for the basics.

"Bending down to pick up my kids...those are things that are like step one of the rehab, just get back to doing the precious basics of life type of things," shares Landeskog.

An Uncertain Future, Unwavering Hope

While Landeskog continues to progress, the timeline for his return remains uncertain. He’s learned to avoid setting deadlines and to focus on the day-to-day work, embracing the unknown with a mix of cautious optimism and unwavering determination. His journey embodies the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope.

"The optimism is still there," Landeskog affirms. "It’s just, I’m not putting timelines on things."

Gratitude and Support

Throughout this challenging journey, Landeskog has been deeply touched by the outpouring of support from fans, the Avalanche organization, and his teammates. Their unwavering belief in him has been a constant source of strength and motivation.

"The patience they've shown with me, it doesn’t go unnoticed," Landeskog expresses. "This organization, this city, is so special to me."