Gabe Landeskog aims to repay Sweden’s faith with Olympic gold
MILAN — Entering his second Olympic Games, Gabe Landeskog prefers to stay anchored in the present. Yet there are moments when, the veteran who has logged more than 700 NHL games, drifts to contemplate what the past four years have demanded of him. Four separate knee surgeries. Three full NHL seasons missed. Real doubt that he’d ever lace up again for the sport he loves.
Then, just as he seemed to hit his stride, contributing in seven of his last 10 full NHL games, Landeskog absorbed a rib injury that sidelined the Avalanche for the final 14 games before the Olympic break.
But here he stands, captaining Sweden into a quarterfinal against the United States at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
His second goal of the tournament, in a 5-1 triumph over Latvia, put Sweden up 2-0 midway through the first period.
“I’ve got a silver medal at home, and that sits there,” Landeskog told a small group of U.S. reporters on Tuesday, referencing Sweden’s runner-up finish to Canada at the 2014 Sochi Games. “It doesn’t mean as much as a gold would. If it were a gold, it would feel very different. We all want to win. We’re bred to compete against the best in the world. Now, to have this opportunity, I’m sure when my career is over and I’m onto something else, I’ll reflect on the journey and what it has meant.”
“But right now, I’m trying to soak in the moment and play my best.”
Landeskog has worn Sweden’s colors on the international stage since the 2011 World Junior Championship, where he was limited to one game due to a high-ankle sprain. Leadership has long been part of his international footprint, having been named alternate captain of that 2011 team at age 18.
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With just gold medals at the World Championships in 2013 and 2017 to his name, Landeskog is eyeing an Olympic gold to complete his collection.
Sweden, inspired by his comeback, decided to crown him with the captain’s ‘C’ on his Tre Kronor jersey for these Games for the first time.
Head coach Sam Hallam said Landeskog’s road into the tournament earned the team’s respect. While defenseman Victor Hedman — who wore the captain’s armband at 4 Nations — was also a candidate, Hallam noted he understands Hedman’s feelings about Landeskog.
“Honestly, it’s a huge inspiration for us,” Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad, who assisted Landeskog’s opening goal before Sweden stretched its lead to 4-1 in the third, said. “You could see the impact of his presence this year compared with 4 Nations. His impact as a teammate, on and off the ice, is evident. It’s been awesome to play alongside him for the first time. His influence has been tremendous.”
