The NHL announced Monday that Gabriel Landeskog has been named one of three finalists for the 2025-26 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, an honor awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
The Avalanche captain joins Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and Winnipeg Jets forward Jonathan Toews as this year’s finalists.
For Landeskog, the nomination is another chapter in one of hockey’s most remarkable comeback stories. The longtime Avalanche captain missed nearly three full seasons after suffering a serious knee injury and later undergoing cartilage transplant surgery in 2023 — a procedure from which no NHL player had previously returned.
After years of rehabilitation, setbacks, and uncertainty surrounding his playing future, Landeskog finally returned to professional hockey in 2025. His comeback culminated in a return to NHL action during last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, and he successfully carried that momentum into the 2025-26 season.
The 33-year-old forward’s resilience has made him a widely-respected figure around the league, with many viewing him as the embodiment of the values represented by the Masterton Trophy.
This marks the second-consecutive season that Landeskog has been named a Masterton finalist. He was also a finalist in 2024-25 after making his emotional return to the ice, though the award ultimately went to Sean Monahan.
Unlike last season, however, Landeskog now has a full season of NHL hockey behind him following his comeback. His ability to return not just as a player but as an impactful leader for Colorado strengthened his case significantly.
Landeskog’s value to Colorado has extended far beyond statistics. Throughout his absence, he remained closely connected to the organization, continuing to lead from the sidelines while navigating one of the most gruelling recovery processes imaginable.
Teammates and coaches consistently praised his commitment during rehab, while his perseverance became a rallying point inside the Avalanche locker room. His eventual return gave Colorado an emotional boost and reinforced his status as one of the league’s most-respected captains.
The Swedish winger has spent his entire NHL career with the Avalanche organization after being selected second overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. He helped lead the franchise to a Stanley Cup championship in 2022 while playing through significant knee pain before eventually stepping away for surgery.
Over the years, the Masterton award has recognized players overcoming major injuries, illnesses, and personal hardships. Landeskog’s journey from uncertainty about ever playing again to once again captaining a Stanley Cup contender fits squarely within that tradition.
The winner of the 2025-26 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy will be announced later this postseason.
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