Young Avalanche forwards Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog missed practice Sunday but both are expected to play in Monday's game against the Dallas Stars at the Pepsi Center.
Sounds like Landeskog needed a maintenance day. Even though he only has five goals and 10 points through 23 games, the rookie has contributed at all ends of the ice.
At practice today, No. 92 skated on a line with Paul Stastny and David Jones.
Certainly a good sign for those invested in the 2nd overall pick. Landeskog captained the Kitchener Rangers last season, leading them in goals with 36 and finishing third on the team with 66 points in 53 games. He remains a front-runner for the Calder Memorial Trophy in the preseason.
He’s still just 18, but Landeskog has a man’s body, the demeanor to use it to push opponents off the puck, and the elite skills to create offense. He’s set to play on Colorado’s second line – but easily could jump to the first forward unit – and is a lock to be in the Calder mix all season long.
Last season, the three Calder Trophy finalists scored 30 goals -- which would be a great season for the former Kitchener Ranger. In leagues with deeper rosters, the 18-year-old would definitely make a solid addition to your fantasy roster. The 2011 second overall pick also is a must-have in any dynasty league.
The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has signed first-round draft choices Gabriel Landeskog and Duncan Siemens each to three-year, entry-level contracts.