Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gabriel Landeskog

How Gabriel Landeskog built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Gabriel Landeskog is a Swedish professional ice hockey left winger, currently serving as the captain of the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his leadership and skill on the ice, Landeskog has been a significant player for the Avalanche. He was drafted second overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and has consistently contributed to the team's success.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Avalanche Advance to Western Conference Finals

In 2002, the Avalanche advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2002. Gabriel Landeskog later helped the Avalanche reach this milestone in 2022.

February 2009: Elitserien Debut

In February 2009, Gabriel Landeskog debuted in Elitserien for Djurgårdens IF in a game against Brynäs IF. On February 24, he recorded his first point in Elitserien.

August 2009: Traded to Kitchener Rangers

In August 2009, Gabriel Landeskog's CHL rights were traded to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

2009: End of Season Ranking

By the end of the 2009-10 season, Landeskog was third among OHL rookies in points and goals.

2009: Move to Canada

In 2009, Gabriel Landeskog moved to Canada by himself at age 16 to play in the OHL during the 2009–10 season.

October 2010: Named Captain of Kitchener Rangers

On October 24, 2010, Gabriel Landeskog was named captain of the Kitchener Rangers, becoming the first European captain in franchise history.

October 2011: NHL Debut and First Goal

In October 2011, Gabriel Landeskog made his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche and scored his first NHL goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 12. He also became the first player in Avalanche franchise history to wear jersey number 92.

2011: Alternate Captain and Injury

In 2011, Gabriel Landeskog was named an alternate captain for the World Junior Championships but played only one game due to a high ankle sprain.

2011: Drafted by Colorado

In 2011, Gabriel Landeskog was selected second overall in the NHL entry draft by the Colorado Avalanche.

March 2012: Breaks Rookie Record

On March 12, 2012, Landeskog recorded his first overtime goal and broke Peter Šťastný's franchise record for most shots on goal in a player's rookie season.

September 2012: Named Captain of Colorado Avalanche

On September 4, 2012, Gabriel Landeskog was named the fourth captain in Colorado Avalanche history, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history at 19 years and 286 days old.

December 2012: Returns to Djurgårdens IF During NHL Lockout

In December 2012, during the NHL lockout, Gabriel Landeskog returned to Sweden to play for Djurgårdens IF.

2012: World Championship Alternate Captain

In 2012, Gabriel Landeskog played for the Sweden senior team in the World Championship and was named an alternate captain for the tournament.

February 2013: Returns to Avalanche Lineup

In February 2013, Gabriel Landeskog returned to the Avalanche's lineup after recovering from a head injury.

July 2013: Invitation to Swedish Ice Hockey Association Camp

In July 2013, Gabriel Landeskog was invited to the Swedish Ice Hockey Association's orientation camp for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

August 2013: Signs Contract Extension with Avalanche

On August 15, 2013, Gabriel Landeskog signed a seven-year contract extension worth $39 million with the Avalanche.

2013: Significant Piece of Avalanche

During the 2013-14 season, Landeskog proved to be a significant piece of a resurgent Colorado Avalanche team. He put up career highs in goals, assists, and points, helping the Avalanche to a division title.

2013: Gold Medal at World Championship

In 2013, Gabriel Landeskog contributed to Sweden's gold medal win at the World Championship, scoring three goals and four points in 10 games.

April 2014: First Playoff Goal

On April 17, 2014, Gabriel Landeskog scored his first career NHL playoff goal against the Minnesota Wild.

2014: Silver Medal at Winter Olympics

In 2014, Gabriel Landeskog helped Sweden win a silver medal at the Winter Olympics, where they lost to Canada senior team.

November 2017: First Hat Trick

In November 2017, Gabriel Landeskog recorded his first career hat trick in a 6–2 win over the Washington Capitals on November 17. A few weeks later, he was suspended for four games.

December 2017: Second Hat Trick

On December 16, 2017, Gabriel Landeskog recorded his second career hat trick in a 6–5 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2017: Second Gold Medal at World Championship

In 2017, Gabriel Landeskog won his second gold medal with Sweden at the World Championship, contributing two goals and three assists in 10 games.

2017: Finished Season with Avalanche

Landeskog finished the 2016-17 regular season with 18 goals and 15 assists through 72 games and was named to Team Sweden's roster for the 2017 IIHF World Championship.

March 2018: 500th Career Game

On March 26, 2018, Gabriel Landeskog played in his 500th career NHL game in a 4-1 loss against the Vegas Golden Knights.

October 2018: Third Career Hat Trick

In October 2018, Gabriel Landeskog recorded his third career hat trick in a 5–3 win over the New Jersey Devils on October 18. He ended the week leading the NHL in goals and was selected as the NHL's First Star of the Week.

2019: Career Highs

Landeskog finished the 2018–19 NHL season with a career-high 34 goals and 41 assists.

January 2021: 200th Career Goal

On January 16, 2021, Gabriel Landeskog scored his 200th career NHL goal to help the team win 8-0 against the St. Louis Blues.

July 2021: Signs Contract Extension

On July 27, 2021, Gabriel Landeskog signed an eight-year, $56 million contract extension with the Avalanche.

January 2022: Fourth Hat Trick

On January 7, 2022, Landeskog recorded his fourth career hat trick in a 7-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets.

June 2022: Last Game Before Injury

June 26, 2022, marked Gabriel Landeskog's last game before a significant injury sidelined him for an extended period.

2022: Stanley Cup Victory

In 2022, Gabriel Landeskog helped the Avalanche clinch the 2022 Stanley Cup after a series of playoff games. He scored the Avalanche's first goal in Game 1 of the Finals and contributed an assist in Game 6, making him the fourth NHL player born and trained outside of North America to captain a team to the Stanley Cup.

April 2023: Announcement of Playoff Absence

On 13 April 2023, the Avalanche announced that Gabriel Landeskog would not play in the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs due to his knee injury.

April 2025: Return to NHL

In April 2025, Gabriel Landeskog returned to the NHL after three years, playing his first game in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Dallas Stars. He scored his first goal in 1,041 days in Game 4.