Eurolanche

Landeskog signs seven-year extension

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has agreed to terms with captain Gabriel Landeskog on a seven-year contract extension through the 2020-21 season. "Gabe is and will continue to be a large part of the foundation of this hockey team for many years to come," said Avalanche Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic.  “Signing our captain to a long-term extension demonstrates the commitment of Stan and Josh Kroenke to this franchise and to our fan base.  In just two seasons, Gabe has already proven to be a great asset to our organization both on and off the ice.  The fact that he has agreed to a long-term deal shows that he believes in this team, his teammates and the direction of this franchise moving forward."

The second overall selection in the 2011 NHL Draft, Landeskog won the 2011-12 Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year.  He followed that up by being named team captain of the Avalanche on Sept. 4, 2012, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history (19 years, 286 days).  He was 11 days younger than Sidney Crosby, who was 19 years, 297 days when he was named captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins on May 31, 2007.

"I would like to thank the Kroenke family and the entire Avalanche organization for their trust and belief in me,” Landeskog said.  “I love Colorado and I love being a part of this wonderful community.  There is no other place I’d rather be than in Denver wearing the Avalanche logo.  I am looking forward to training camp and the upcoming season.”  

Landeskog has totaled 31 goals and 38 assists for 69 points in 118 career games.  As a rookie in 2011-12, he finished tied for first among all freshmen with 52 points (22g/30a) in 82 games.  The Stockholm, Sweden native was awarded the rookie scoring title in a tie-breaker over Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (18g/34a) on the basis of more goals.  Landeskog led all rookies in shots (270) and takeaways (58), while ranking second in goals (20), plus/minus (+20), game-winning goals (5), power-play goals (6-tied) and hits (219).  He was the second NHL rookie to ever surpass 20 goals and 200 hits in a season, joining Dion Phaneuf in 2005-06.  Gabriel led the Avalanche in games, goals, plus/minus, shots, hits and game winners.

This past season, Landeskog recorded nine goals and eight assists for 17 points in 36 games.  He led Colorado with three short-handed goals, the most by an Avs player since 2006-07 (Brad Richardson, 3).  Following the 2012-13 season, Gabriel helped Sweden capture the gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World Championship in Stockholm and Helsinki.  He appeared in all 10 games at the tournament, tallying three goals and one assist with a +4 rating.  The left winger served as an alternate captain for Team Sweden at the 2012 IIHF World Championship, and was also an alternate captain for Sweden at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Prior to turning pro, Landeskog captained the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League in 2010-11, becoming the first European captain in the 48-year history of the Rangers franchise.  He was named captain at the age of 17 on Oct. 24, 2010, becoming the youngest player in 30 years to be named captain of the Rangers.

-Avalanche Press Release-

Eurolanche´s note: Landeskog's 7 year deal is worth $39 million for an annual hit of just over $5.57 million. Also has a modified NTC. The breakdown is $4.5M, $4.5M, $5.5M, $6M, $6M, $6M and $6.5M.