If you're checking the lines for the Colorado Avalanche game tonight, Jan. 18, 2026, I have some bad news. Gabriel Landeskog is not playing tonight. The captain is officially out.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch for Avs fans who finally thought the "Landeskog saga" was behind them. After missing nearly three full calendar years—basically an eternity in pro sports—Landeskog had finally found his rhythm this season. He played 41 straight games. He looked like his old self. Then, a weird play against the Florida Panthers on Jan. 4 changed everything.
He didn't just tweak something. He caught an edge driving to the net and slammed into the goalpost at full speed. It looked scary. He had to be helped off the ice, and he hasn't been seen in a jersey since.
The Latest on Landeskog: Is Landeskog Playing Tonight?
Right now, the short answer is no. Is Landeskog playing tonight? Definitely not. He’s currently listed as week-to-week with what the team is calling an "upper-body injury."
Coach Jared Bednar hasn't been super specific—coaches never are—but the consensus among Denver media like Corey Masisak is that we’re looking at a multi-week absence. The good news? It isn’t the knee.
🔗 Read more: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
Remember, Landeskog’s career was almost over because of that right knee cartilage transplant. Nathan MacKinnon actually mentioned to reporters that while the crash looked "horrible," there was a massive wave of relief in the locker room when they realized the impact was to his rib cage area and not his surgically repaired leg. Bones and muscles heal. Cartilage... well, we know how that goes.
What happened to Gabe Landeskog?
- The Injury Date: Jan. 4, 2026, vs. Florida Panthers.
- The Play: Lost an edge, crashed ribs-first into the post.
- The Diagnosis: Upper-body injury (rumored rib/torso damage).
- Expected Timeline: "Some weeks," according to Bednar.
It’s just bad luck. You survive three years of rehab only to have a freak accident like a toe-pick take you out right before the Olympic break.
When will Landeskog return to the Avalanche?
This is where things get tricky. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are right around the corner. Landeskog was actually named to Team Sweden's roster on Jan. 2, just two days before he got hurt.
He wants to be there. Sweden plays Italy on Feb. 11.
💡 You might also like: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
If he’s going to make it, he needs to be back on skates soon. Bednar said recently that the injury is "fresh" and they need to see how he deals with it before setting a hard date. Most analysts expect him to stay sidelined through the rest of January. The Avs are currently 31-3-7—they are a juggernaut right now—so they have the luxury of letting him heal. They don't need to rush him back for a random Tuesday night game in January.
Who is stepping up while Landeskog is out?
With the captain out, the lines are shifting. Artturi Lehkonen has moved back up to the top line with MacKinnon. We’re also seeing Ross Colton get more looks in the top six.
Even Taylor Makar—Cale’s brother—has been getting a longer look with the big club lately. It’s a "next man up" mentality, but you can’t really replace the "stabilization factor" Landeskog brings to the room. Erik Johnson, who’s seen it all, recently said Gabe is the best leader he’s ever been around. You feel that absence on the power play and in the final five minutes of a close game.
The Olympic Question
The big fear for Avalanche fans isn't just about tonight's game. It's about whether he plays for Sweden and gets hurt again. Bednar has been pretty cool about it, though. He said the team won't stand in his way if he decides he's healthy enough to go.
📖 Related: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
It’s a tough spot for a 33-year-old. He’s already got a silver medal from 2014. He knows this might be his last shot at Olympic gold.
But he also wants another Cup.
If you're looking for a silver lining, Bednar used the word "sore" to describe Landeskog’s condition last week. In hockey speak, "sore" is usually a positive sign. It implies there isn't a major break or a tear that requires surgery. It's just about pain management and range of motion.
Actionable insights for fans and fantasy owners:
- Check the February Schedule: Don't expect him back before the Olympic break starts on Feb. 5. If he doesn't play for Sweden, his first game back for Colorado likely won't be until late February.
- Fantasy Pivot: If you have him on your roster, move him to an IR spot immediately. Look at Ross Colton or Artturi Lehkonen as short-term replacements while they soak up his minutes.
- Monitor the "Sweden Status": If Landeskog is cleared for the Olympics, it means he’s 100%. If he bows out of the Olympics, he might be dealing with something more serious than "soreness."
Landeskog is a warrior, but for tonight, he’s a spectator. The best thing you can do is keep an eye on the morning skate reports for the next few weeks, but don't hold your breath for a surprise return this week. He needs to be right for the postseason.
To stay updated, keep an eye on the official Avalanche injury reports or follow local beats like Evan Rawal, who usually has the first word on who's actually taking the ice for warmups. Stay patient; the captain will be back, just not tonight.