Gabriel Landeskog

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Landeskog’s path began in Sweden with Hammarby IF and a standout youth season for Djurgårdens IF, where he debuted in Elitserien on February 21, 2009, against Brynäs IF. At 16 years and 90 days, he became the youngest player in Djurgårdens history. His North American journey started after his CHL rights were traded to the Kitchener Rangers in August 2009. There, he became the first European captain in franchise history on October 24, 2010, leading the team with 37 goals despite an ankle injury that limited him to 53 games. Selected second overall behind Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Landeskog signed a three-year entry-level contract and made his NHL debut on October 8 against Detroit Red Wings. He chose jersey number 92 in honor of his birth year, becoming the first Avalanche player to wear it. His rookie season was historic: he broke Peter Šťastný’s franchise record for shots on goal (233), led all rookies with 22 goals and 52 points, and won the Calder Memorial Trophy. In 2014, he scored his first career playoff goal against Ilya Bryzgalov of the Minnesota Wild.

In Their Own Story

The 2022 Stanley Cup run was defined by Landeskog's resilience. He played through serious injury during the championship season, a physical toll that would eventually sideline him for nearly three seasons. His leadership began early; on March 12, 2012, he recorded his first overtime goal and broke Peter Šťastný’s rookie shot record against the Columbus Blue Jackets. After being fined $5,000 in 2015 for punching Mikko Koivu and suspended multiple times for infractions like cross-checking Simon Després and Matthew Tkachuk, he evolved into a disciplined leader. In the 2020 playoffs, during game six against the St. Louis Blues, Cale Makar’s skate blade accidentally cut Landeskog's knee. He managed one 16-second shift in the third period but could not play further. Later that season, he recorded his third career hat trick on October 18, 2018, against the New Jersey Devils. By March 2, he tallied nine points in four games to be named the NHL's Second Star of the Week and passed Peter Forsberg and Paul Stastny for most 20-goal seasons in Avalanche history. His career was a mix of high-impact moments, including three hat tricks and multiple All-Star selections, anchored by his unwavering role as captain.

Reader's Guide

Landeskog's tenure with the Colorado Avalanche is marked by specific milestones and records. Fans should note his debut date of October 8 against Detroit Red Wings, where he recorded five shots on net in 16:03 minutes. His first NHL goal came four days later against the Columbus Blue Jackets. A key turning point was September 4, 2012, when he was named captain at age 19 years and 286 days, breaking Sidney Crosby's record for youngest captain by 11 days. Statistical highlights include his rookie season record of 233 shots on goal, surpassing Peter Šťastný. He also holds the distinction of being the first European captain in Kitchener Rangers history and the first Avalanche player to wear number 92. His physical play led to suspensions: two games for an illegal check on Brad Marchand (November 13, 2015), three games for cross-checking Simon Després (March 10, 2016), and four games for cross-checking Matthew Tkachuk in late 2017. The 2022 Stanley Cup remains the pinnacle of his career, achieved while battling significant injury.

Did You Know?

• Landeskog became the youngest captain in NHL history on September 4, 2012, at 19 years and 286 days old.
• He chose jersey number 92 for his debut to honor his birth year (1992), becoming the first Avalanche player to wear it.
• During his rookie season, he broke Peter Šťastný's franchise record with 233 shots on goal.
• In 2020, Landeskog skated only one 16-second shift in a playoff game after Cale Makar accidentally cut his knee.
• He led the Kitchener Rangers as their first-ever European captain during the 2010–11 season.