Following a successful return to the ice and the NHL after a three-year absence, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog was recognized by the voters and named a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The award goes to the player who displayed perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the sport of hockey.
After three years of rehab and recovery, Landeskog was on the precipice of a return last year and therefore was the Colorado PHWA nominee for the 2024-35 season despite not yet having played a game. Landeskog was voted a finalist that year, too, along with Sean Monahan and Marc-Andre Fleury with the award ultimately going to Monahan of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
For the 2025-26 season, Landeskog stands as a finalist along with Rasmus Dahlin and Jonathan Toews. Is this the year Landeskog takes home the trophy or will the multi-year nomination hurt his case?
Landeskog’s comeback year was a success with 35 points in 60 games and the Avalanche are 51-7-8 over the full season with him in the lineup. Regardless if he takes home the award or not, everyone is thrilled Landeskog is back in action and clearly making a difference in his quest for a second Stanley Cup.
