Gabriel Landeskog hopes the NHL will be back soon

09 Nov 2012 | Marek Kratochvíl

Gabriel Landeskog is one of the brightest talents of Swedish ice hockey. In September, he was named the youngest ever player to captain an NHL team following his appointment by Colorado Avalanche. Due to the NHL lockout, he returned to his home club Djurgårdens IF and therefore, he’s available for the national team during the Karjala tournament.

The 22-year-old player was drafted by Colorado in the second position of the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and spent the last season as a member of the Avalanche organization. He played 82 games and managed to collect 52 points. Nevertheless, his team didn’t slip to the play-offs through the regular season.

What was the key moment of the match against Russia? Possibly your long powerplay in the third period?

Of course, we should take advantage of it and equalize, but it was a very tough game whole time. We didn’t play that powerplay well. They were careful and we didn’t spend much time in the zone so we didn‘t prepare enough good goal-scoring opportunities.

You have played your first season in the NHL last year. How are you dealing with the lockout?

It is always bad for the players, when there is a lockout overseas and they can’t do their job. We try to do our best to stay in shape and condition, so we’re playing in Europe.

Do you know some details about the situation in the NHL right now?

It is a difficult time. I believe the league will continue early, but fair conditions for both sides, the clubs and the players, must be secured. I hope the lockout won’t last the whole season and the NHL will begin as soon as possible.