The clock is ticking for Gabriel Landeskog.

Sweden’s preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games have been steadily undermined by a growing list of injuries, leaving the national program in a precarious position as Milan approaches. The absences are already significant: Leo Carlsson and Jonas Brodin have been ruled out entirely, while the availability of key contributors like William Nylander remains clouded by uncertainty.

Adding to the unease is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Landeskog, whose long-anticipated return has become one of the league’s most closely watched storylines. Landeskog has not played since Jan. 4 after suffering broken ribs when he caught an edge while driving the net and collided violently with the goalpost. He has since returned to the ice in a limited capacity but continues to manage lingering soreness.

Jared Bednar acknowledged the narrow margin involved, stating that “it’s going to be tight” for Landeskog to be ready in time for the Games in Milan—a remark that encapsulates the fragile optimism currently surrounding Sweden’s Olympic outlook.

Through 41 games this season, Landeskog has totaled 22 points with seven goals and 15 assists, serving as a key contributor to the Avalanche’s league-leading campaign. He earned a spot on Team Sweden’s Olympic roster on Jan. 2, but unfortunately suffered the devastating injury less than 48 hours later.

A Narrow Olympic Window Looms for Landeskog

Landeskog last competed in the Olympic Games in 2014, the most recent edition to feature full NHL participation. He has not represented Team Sweden since the 2017 World Championships, where he helped his home country capture a gold medal.

Given the stage of his career, this upcoming tournament may represent Landeskog’s final opportunity to compete in the Olympics. After spending three years away from the NHL while rehabbing a highly publicized knee surgery, his path back to the league was anything but easy.

That context underscores just how much this moment means. Landeskog’s relentless work ethic has already carried him back to NHL competition, and there is little doubt he is pushing just as hard in the gym to make an Olympic return a reality. Time, however, is not on his side.

“He’s earned [playing in the Olympics] with his season,” Bednar said. “Hopefully everything works out, but it’s going to be tight.”