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 player. He plays left wing and serves as the captain of the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL). Landeskog is known for his leadership qualities on and off the ice, as well as his skill and determination as a player. He has represented Sweden in international competitions, winning several medals. He's a key player for the Avalanche and a prominent figure in the NHL.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Avalanche Western Conference Finals Appearance

In 2002, Landeskog helped the Avalanche advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2002. They eventually advanced to the Stanley Cup Final.

February 2009: Elitserien Debut

On February 21, 2009, Gabriel Landeskog debuted in Elitserien for Djurgårdens IF in a game against Brynäs IF. On February 24, 2009, he recorded his first point in Elitserien.

August 2009: Traded to Kitchener Rangers

On August 3, 2009, Gabriel Landeskog's CHL rights were traded to the Kitchener Rangers.

2009: Third Among OHL Rookies

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

October 2010: Named Captain of Kitchener Rangers

On October 24, 2010, Gabriel Landeskog was named captain of the Kitchener Rangers for the 2010–11 season, 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 on October 12, 2011, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the youngest Swedish-born player to score an NHL goal at 18 years and 324 days old.

2011: Drafted by Colorado Avalanche

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

2011: World Junior Championships

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

March 2012: Breaks Franchise Record for Shots on Goal

On March 12, 2012, Gabriel Landeskog recorded his first overtime goal and his 233rd shot on net to break 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 at the time.

December 2012: Return to Djurgårdens IF

In December 2012, during the NHL lockout, Gabriel Landeskog returned to Sweden and played 17 games with Djurgårdens IF.

2012: World Championship Alternate Captain

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

February 2013: Returned to the Avalanche Lineup

On February 22, 2013, Landeskog returned to the Avalanche's lineup after recovering from a head injury.

July 2013: Orientation Camp for Olympics

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

August 2013: Signed Contract Extension

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

2013: Significant piece of resurgent team

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

2013: Gold at World Championship

In 2013, Landeskog was added to the Swedish squad for the 2013 World Championship, contributing three goals and four points in 10 games to help Sweden win gold.

April 2014: First Career NHL Playoff Goal

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

2014: Silver Medal at Winter Olympics

In 2014, Landeskog was included in the final squad for the Winter Olympics, where he helped Sweden claim a silver medal.

November 2017: First Career Hat Trick

On November 17, 2017, Gabriel Landeskog recorded his first career hat trick in a 6–2 win over the Washington Capitals. He was suspended for four games for cross-checking Matthew Tkachuk.

December 2017: Second Career 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: Named to Team Sweden

Gabriel 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. Despite his efforts, the Avalanche finished the season with the franchise’s worst record since moving to Denver.

2017: Second Gold Medal at World Championship

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

March 2018: Played 500th Career NHL 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 and First Star of the Week

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

2019: First NHL All-Star Game and Career-High Season

In 2019, Gabriel Landeskog participated in his first NHL All-Star Game and finished the 2018–19 NHL season with a career-high 34 goals and 41 assists.

January 2021: 200th Career NHL Goal

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

July 2021: Signed Contract Extension

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

January 2022: Fourth Career Hat Trick

On January 7, 2022, Gabriel Landeskog recorded his fourth career hat trick in a 7-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. He was recognized as the NHL's First Star of the Week ending on January 9, 2022.

2022: Stanley Cup Victory and Playoff Performance

In 2022, Landeskog played a crucial role in the Avalanche's Stanley Cup victory. After returning from injury, he contributed significantly in the playoffs, including scoring the first goal in the Stanley Cup Final Game 1. The Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win the 2022 Stanley Cup. Landeskog became the fourth NHL player born and trained outside of North America to captain a team to the Stanley Cup.

April 2025: Return to NHL after injury

In April 2025, Landeskog was loaned to the Colorado Eagles for a conditioning assignment. He then played his first NHL game in 3 years during the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. He also scored his first goal in 1,041 days.