HOPE FOR: Excitement Hits Ball Arena as Coach Jared Bednar Names Gabriel Landeskog New Senior Advisor
A wave of excitement and renewed hope swept through Ball Arena today as Colorado Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar made a surprise announcement that has the entire NHL community buzzing. In an emotional press conference just hours before the team’s preseason skate, Bednar revealed that Gabriel Landeskog will return to the organization — not as a player, but as the franchise’s new Senior Advisor to Hockey Operations.
The move comes after Landeskog spent more than two years away from the ice due to ongoing recovery from a significant knee injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons. While fans had long hoped for his triumphant return to the lineup, today’s announcement marks a different, but still powerful, kind of comeback.
“Gabriel has always been the heart and soul of this team,” Bednar said. “Though he won’t be wearing the ‘C’ on the ice anymore, his leadership, vision, and hockey mind will continue to shape this team from within.”
Landeskog, 32, served as captain of the Avalanche since 2012, leading the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2022 and becoming one of the most respected figures in the league both on and off the ice.
“I may not be lacing up the skates anymore, but my passion for this team and this city hasn’t gone anywhere,” Landeskog said, visibly emotional. “This organization gave me everything, and now I want to give back in a new way.”
As Senior Advisor, Landeskog will work closely with Bednar and General Manager Chris MacFarland on player development, team culture, and strategic planning. His mentorship is expected to be particularly impactful for younger players like Cale Makar, Bowen Byram, and Logan O’Connor.
Fans erupted in applause and cheers at Ball Arena as the news broke, with chants of “Landy! Landy!” echoing through the concourse. Social media quickly lit up with tributes and emotional reactions from Avalanche supporters and hockey fans across the league.
“This is more than just a job title,” tweeted NHL analyst Kevin Weekes. “This is legacy work. Gabriel Landeskog is still leading the Avs — just from a different bench.”
With the 2025–26 NHL season on the horizon, the Avalanche now enter training camp with a renewed sense of identity, resilience, and leadership — bolstered by a franchise icon who refuses to let adversity define the end of his journey.
This marks a new chapter — not just for Landeskog, but for the Colorado Avalanche organization.
