Gabriel Landeskog Wins Mark Messier and Bill Masterton Awards

Gabriel Landeskog, captain of the Colorado Avalanche, won the NHL’s Mark Messier Leadership Award and the Bill Masterton Trophy on Tuesday. The honors follow Landeskog’s return to regular-season action during the 2025-26 campaign after missing three full seasons due to four major knee procedures.

Landeskog’s comeback began with five games during the 2025 playoffs. He followed that with 60 regular-season games this past year, marking his first full-season appearance since 2021-22.

Why did Gabriel Landeskog win the Masterton and Messier awards?

The Mark Messier Award recognizes the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities on and off the ice during the regular season. The Bill Masterton Trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey, according to award descriptions.

Landeskog received the Messier Award after prior notification. However, the Masterton Trophy was delivered as a surprise organized by his wife, Melissa, and their three children.

Did You Know? Gabriel Landeskog underwent four major procedures on his knee during his three-season absence from the regular season.

The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association’s local chapters submitted nominations for the Masterton Trophy. Landeskog beat out fellow finalists Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres and Jonathan Toews of the Winnipeg Jets.

How did Landeskog’s return affect the Colorado Avalanche?

Landeskog recorded 14 goals and 21 assists this season. His presence coincided with the Avalanche winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

Gabriel Landeskog on winning the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award

The team’s performance shifted based on the captain’s availability. Colorado posted a 45-7-8 record with Landeskog in the lineup. During the 22 games he missed due to a pair of injuries, the team’s record dropped to 10-9-3.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the contrast between the 45-7-8 record and the 10-9-3 record suggests Landeskog’s impact extends beyond raw statistics, highlighting the strategic and psychological value of his leadership on the ice.

Beyond the NHL, Landeskog captained Team Sweden during the 2026 Olympics in Milan. He recorded two goals and four points across five games.

What could happen next for the Avalanche captain?

Given his history of knee injuries, Landeskog’s availability may remain a key factor for Colorado’s future success. The team could see continued improvement in their winning percentage if he remains healthy for a full schedule.

His role as an international leader may also lead to further captaincy opportunities for Team Sweden in future competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the criteria for the Mark Messier Leadership Award?
It is presented annually to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, both on and off the ice, during the regular season.

Who were the other finalists for the Bill Masterton Trophy?
The other finalists were Winnipeg Jets forward Jonathan Toews and Buffalo Sabres defenceman Rasmus Dahlin.

How many games did Landeskog play in the 2025-26 regular season?
Landeskog played 60 regular-season games for the Colorado Avalanche.

How do you think a captain’s return from long-term injury affects a team’s chemistry?