Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will not be in the lineup for Game 1 against the Dallas Stars, despite recently returning to practice with the team.
Landeskog participated in the morning skate before Game 1 but was not present for warmups, indicating he will not play in the opening game against Dallas. This information was reported by Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar mentioned on Friday that Landeskog was being considered for a possible return at the start of the playoffs.
Bednar noted that Landeskog is progressing well, gaining speed, confidence, and assurance each day. He confirmed that Landeskog could be an option for the team at some point during this playoff series.
Landeskog rejoined the Avalanche for practice earlier in the week following a brief two-game conditioning stint in the AHL.
The Avalanche captain has been struggling with knee injuries for the past three years, requiring two surgeries. His last NHL game was in Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Game 1 between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche is scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
