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Gabriel Landeskog likely to test free agency as Avalanche disappointingly haven’t made an offer still

It’s no secret anymore that Gabriel Landeskog and the Avalanche aren’t close to a new contract, the Avs captain has admitted that he’s “disappointed” it’s gotten this far. From what he told The Athletic’s Peter Baugh, it sounds like Landeskog is coming to grips with the possibility of leaving the Avalanche to hit the free-agent market.

The 28-year-old forward can become an unrestricted free agent for the first time July 28 and wants to stay with Colorado, who selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2011 NHL Draft

The Avalanche captain said he would have liked his contract “to be done eight months ago, 10 months ago.”

“The uncertainty is something I’ve never dealt with,” Landeskog said. “I’ve always known that come September, October, I’m going to pull on that Avs jersey.

“I can’t help but be honest with you that I’m a little bit disappointed that it’s gotten this far and it’s had to come to this point.”

Landeskog scored 52 points (20 goals, 32 assists) in 54 games this season for the Avalanche, who won the Presidents’ Trophy for the best record in the NHL regular season (39-13-4). He then scored 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 10 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, when Colorado was eliminated in six games by the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round.

Named captain on Sept. 4, 2012, Landeskog has scored 512 points (218 goals, 294 assists) in 687 regular-season games, and 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in 49 playoff games.

“We’ll see what happens,” he said. “I’m still hopeful that we can agree on something and come to terms.”

However, the St. Louis Blues are preparing to give a “full pitch effort” to sign Gabriel Landeskog if he hits free agency later this month as reported by NHL.com’s Lou Korac.

Avalanche forwards Brandon Saad and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, and goalie Philipp Grubauer are each set to become an unrestricted free agent. Defenseman Cale Makar, who won the Calder Trophy voted as the NHL rookie of the year last season and a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman this season, can become a restricted free agent.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy

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