The Colorado Avalanche made a huge announcement involving team captain Gabriel Landeskog on Wednesday morning. Landeskog is headed to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles on a conditioning assignment, setting the stage for a potential return to the NHL playoffs. Landeskog, 32, hasn’t played a professional game since hoisting the Stanley Cup on June 26, 2022.

Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog has taken major steps towards a potential return as the NHL playoffs begin.

DENVER — Gabriel Landeskog is taking another step toward playing his first NHL game in nearly three years, with the Colorado Avalanche sending their captain on a minor league conditioning assignment. The Avalanche on Wednesday assigned Landeskog to the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League. The Eagles play home games Friday and Saturday.