The questions about Gabe Landeskog’s future make people squirm. And they are growing increasingly uncomfortable.
The Avs captain has missed two consecutive seasons because of his right knee and recently had a setback in his rehabilitation that required him to stop skating. He should be back on the ice soon, but what does that mean?
Is it time for Landeskog to retire? This thought, as painful as it sounds, hangs in the air after all the strides he has made after undergoing cartilage replacement surgery still has yet to produce a timetable for his return.
Last May the playful answer Landeskog provided was “between mid-September and the start of April.” Now, the earliest would be December. But that seems ambitious if not unrealistic.
The Avs placed Landeskog on long-term injured reserve before the season, which kept his money off the salary cap. It also means some tough decisions are looming. Colorado can slow play this a little longer, but will definitely need to know where Landeskog stands ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.
Do they leave him on injury reserve for the season, keeping cap space clear to make a big move? And what does that mean for Landeskog? Is it delaying the inevitable? Could he really come back after missing three full seasons?
Everyone roots for Gabe. He is a captain beyond the C. His will, his personality, his physicality and his leadership played a huge role in the Avs’ last Stanley Cup championship. Maybe the picture will become clearer when Landeskog resumes skating. No hockey player has returned from this surgery, which speaks to the mental challenge of accomplishing the goal. It would be remarkable if Gabe was the first.
But every time the Avs provide an update, it feels less certain he ever plays again. So, at some point this season, either this winter or in March, the Avs are likely going to have to do what is not only fair to him, but the team.
K.C. Buyer Beware: The Broncos have tried everything to bridge the gap with the Chiefs the past eight years, including bringing in former Kansas City players. Not a good idea. It reminds me of when MLB teams signed Braves pitchers in the 1990s. If Atlanta let them go, there was a good reason. I was thinking about this when studying the rivalry and the zero impact provided by running back Jamaal Charles (eight carries, 39 yards vs. KC in 2017) and edge rusher Frank Clark (no games, but two All-Pro press conferences last season).
What Can Braun Do For You? The Nuggets’ young players showed promise in the upset of Oklahoma City. While questions persist about the lacking bench, Christian Braun is making a statement as a starter. Through the first two weeks, he has been an upgrade over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
C-Mac Back: Christian McCaffrey will make his season debut on Sunday. Think the 49ers missed him? When the former Valor Christian star plays, San Francisco is 22-5, compared to 7-8 without him. They also average nearly seven more points per game. He completely changes how they operate in the red zone.
Mail Time
The only good thing about the Chiefs running the table would be not having to hear about the (1972) Dolphins anymore. Oh wait, then I’d have to watch (Travis) Kelce drink champagne every year. Never mind.
RJ Bush, Twitter
This message came in response to my Chiefs Fatigue column this week. I appreciate and respect the Chiefs, but they have become more overexposed than Shaq in the 1990s. Uncle. When will their reign end? Between the Broncos and Chargers, I expect one of those teams to win the AFC West in the next two seasons. That is not saying much. But, hey, baby steps.
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