Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar updated the media yesterday about the status of two of the team's best players, and two of the team's eight Olympic representatives this 2026 cycle. Devon Toews has been classified as "week-to-week", with the hope that he may return sometime in the next two weeks. Gabe Landeskog has been confirmed to be out for "a few weeks" according to the coach, however, the potential worst case scenario has been avoided with the Avalanche captain.
The veteran Swedish forward crashed into the net of Florida Panthers goalie Daniil Tarasov, leading to some fears that he may have re-aggravated the knee injury that kept him sidelined for three years. The injury was classified as upper body during the game, and he did not return after being helped off of the ice. With Bednar's update, the likely rib-injury sounds to be serious enough that he may not be seen before the end of the month. Landeskog had not yet missed a game this season and had worked his way back to Colorado's top line over the last month and a half after a slow start to the season. The injury to Landeskog seemed to knock the wind out of many of the Avalanche's sails, as the Panthers also handed the team their third loss this season, snapping a 10+ game win streak.
Meanwhile, Toews, who was injured after an awkward crash in the game against the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this month did manage to finish the contest, but has not been seen since. It was classified as an upper body injury at the time, and while the Avs certainly have the depth to keep things afloat, his presence will certainly be missed on the top blue line next to Cale Makar Toews is expecting his fourth child early next month, which could also lead to some time missed, as he has already indicated he may forgo the Olympics if it conflicts with any family obligations that develop.