Landeskog to Lead Team Sweden at Winter Olympics?

As news swirls around the potential role of Gabe Landeskog at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, there is anticipation that the Colorado Avalanche captain could lead Team Sweden in the tournament. Despite the lack of an official statement from the Swedish camp, speculation is fueled by Landeskog’s absence from recent games due to a collision with a goal post during a match against the Florida Panthers early in January.

With Landeskog missing the past 12 Avalanche games, questions loom over his fitness for the Olympics. Notably, insider Pierre LeBrun of TSN is optimistic about his participation, even if Landeskog is unable to play in the Avs’ upcoming games before the break. During the Avalanche’s recent road trip, Landeskog was seen back on the ice during team practices.

Hints regarding his potential captaincy came from various NHL insiders on platforms like TSN’s Insider Trading Segment and the 32 Thoughts podcast. While nothing is set in stone, it has been suggested that Landeskog could take the helm for Team Sweden at the Olympics if he is able to join the roster.

Landeskog was among the initial six players selected for the Swedish team last summer, a significant honor following a lengthy absence due to a knee injury. This selection was made after Landeskog’s brief return to the postseason for the Avalanche, marking his second appearance on the international stage after serving as an assistant captain for Team Sweden in 2014 at just 21 years old.

In the run-up to the 2026 Olympics, Landeskog is expected to rejoin veterans like Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Erik Karlsson, and Marcus Johansson, all of whom also participated in the 2014 Winter Games. That year, Landeskog and his Swedish teammates reached the gold medal game, ultimately settling for a silver after a hard-fought battle against Team Canada.

As the anticipation builds in the hockey world, fans await the official confirmation of Landeskog’s return to competitive play and his potential role as captain of Team Sweden. The Winter Olympics in 2026 could mark another momentous occasion for the skilled forward, showcasing his leadership and talent on the global stage once again.