As of Wednesday morning, Gabriel Landeskog has been sent to the Colorado Eagles on a conditioning loan. Landeskog’s return to the Avalanche appears imminent. Recent events suggest a playoff return. From the documentary to the leaps and bounds made in practices, the forecast is promising.

How does the Captain make a comeback after being away from the game for three years? The Colorado Eagles will hold the key.

Why now?

Landeskog has to agreed to a conditioning loan with the Eagles and that can last up to six days or three games (whichever comes first). The Eagles have two games home games remaining in the regular season. After that, they play three more on the road before the playoffs start. It is likely he wants to play the two home games so family and management can easily be in attendance.

By playing at home for his first games back, he would have access to team medical facilities and doctors. Not to mention, the Blue Arena crowd would have his back anytime he gets on the ice for a shift.

What has led to this?

Lately, Landeskog has been increasing his physical activity on the ice, and in the public’s eye. He has been taking some contact at practices along with special teams drills, all of which are normally reserved for a healthy player. This progress has only been made recently.

Eagles practice

On Saturday, the Swede practiced with the Eagles. This could be the first step to integrate him into the system because they play a slightly different speed and style. The Avalanche made a statement to things clear it up that it was not a conditioning assignment.

Increased media coverage

Landeskog has been nearly radio silent for two and a half years. Any updates have been few and far between, the only consistent ones have been at the start and end of the season.

Lately, it has been the complete opposite. He has done interviews with Spittin Chiclets, Altitude TV, and has a docuseries currently airing on TNT. The docuseries also happens to end the week before the playoffs. He used to practice on his own, away from the public. Now he does it openly.

If the Avalanche want to test his knee before the playoffs, now would be the time.

This weekend’s games are against the Henderson Silver Knights (VGK), a team that is out of playoff contention. The rest of the schedule with Ontario (LAK) and Tucson (UTA) are both teams fighting for their playoff seeding and his participation may be a risky choice.

It appears all of the parts are falling into place, and there is a way to test the waters before jumping right into the NHL playoff madness. The biggest question is whether Landeskog knows the risks. This next step is ginormous for any sort of return to the NHL level.

All games, if he plays, are broadcast on AHLTV on FloHockey.com.