Despite rejoining the Colorado Avalanche for practice earlier this week, captain Gabriel Landeskog's long-awaited NHL return won't come on Saturday.
Landeskog participated in morning skate ahead of Game 1 against the Dallas Stars, but according to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette, he wasn't on the ice for warmups, signalling that he won't be in Colorado's lineup.
Coach Jared Bednar said Friday that Landeskog was under consideration to return as the Avalanche open the playoffs on the road.
"He's getting close," Bednar said. "Obviously, every day I feel like he's getting a little quicker, a little bit more confident and a little bit more sure of himself. He'll be an option for us in the series."
Landeskog rejoined the Avalanche earlier this week for practice after a two-game rehab stint in the AHL.
The Swedish star has battled knee injuries the last three years, and has had two surgeries. His last game was Colorado's Game 6 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final.
Dallas hosts the Avalanche in Game 1 on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet+.
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