SHOCKING MOVE: MONTREAL CANADIENS LAND SWEDISH SENSATION GABRIEL LANDESKOG WITH 5-YEAR DEAL WORTH…read more…

SHOCKING MOVE: MONTREAL CANADIENS LAND SWEDISH SENSATION GABRIEL LANDESKOG WITH 5-YEAR DEAL WORTH…read more…

In a jaw-dropping development that has stunned the NHL community, the Montreal Canadiens have pulled off what many are calling the boldest move of the offseason. The team has officially signed Swedish superstar Gabriel Landeskog to a five-year contract worth $45 million, solidifying their intentions to become immediate contenders.

The announcement came early Thursday morning via an official press release from the Canadiens organization, followed by a press conference at the Bell Centre. The 32-year-old Landeskog, who had spent his entire NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche, is expected to bring leadership, experience, and scoring prowess to a young and rapidly developing Canadiens roster.

**THE SWEDISH CAPTAIN COMES NORTH**

Landeskog, the long-time captain of the Avalanche, has not played since the 2021–2022 season due to lingering knee issues. Though many believed his career was in jeopardy, persistent rumors of a comeback began swirling in recent months. Still, no one expected the Montreal Canadiens to be the destination, much less the team to offer a long-term deal.

“We’ve done our homework,” Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes told reporters. “Gabriel has put in the work to recover. He’s a warrior, a proven leader, and we believe he still has a lot of high-level hockey left in him.”

Landeskog, who appeared smiling and healthy at the press conference, echoed Hughes’ optimism.

“I feel great,” he said. “I’ve worked incredibly hard to get back on the ice, and I wasn’t going to come back unless I felt 100%. Montreal feels like the perfect fit—not just for my playing style, but for the energy and passion of the fans. I’m ready.”

**A MASSIVE BOOST TO A YOUNG CORE**

The Canadiens are in the midst of a rebuild that has shown serious promise over the last two seasons. With young talents like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and defenseman Kaiden Guhle, Montreal has laid a strong foundation. But what the team lacked was a proven veteran who could serve as a guiding force both on and off the ice.

Landeskog brings exactly that. A Stanley Cup champion, former second-overall pick, and the youngest captain in Avalanche history when appointed at age 19, he’s been a pillar of consistency and leadership. His ability to play a physical, two-way game while contributing offensively makes him an ideal complement to the Canadiens’ growing core.

“He’s the guy you want in your locker room,” said Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki. “He’s been through the grind, he’s lifted the Cup, and he knows what it takes. This is a huge step for us.”

**QUESTIONS SURROUNDING HEALTH AND LONGEVITY**

Despite the excitement, the signing isn’t without risks. Landeskog hasn’t played in over two years, missing both the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons following knee cartilage transplant surgery. While he has reportedly been skating for months and looked strong in off-season training videos, some analysts have questioned whether he can return to his previous form.

Hughes, however, remains confident.

“Our medical staff has been in close contact with Gabriel’s team for months. He’s been monitored through every stage of his rehab. We wouldn’t have made this move if we weren’t certain he could contribute at a high level.”

**FAN REACTION: ELECTRIC**

The reaction from Canadiens fans has been nothing short of ecstatic. Within hours of the announcement, #LandeskogToMontreal was trending across social media platforms. Season ticket interest spiked, and the team’s online store saw a massive surge in pre-orders for Landeskog jerseys.

“This is a dream,” said longtime fan Michel Therrien (not the coach). “It’s like getting a second captain on the team. Landeskog is a beast, and I can’t wait to see him light it up at the Bell Centre.”

**LOOKING AHEAD**

While it’s unclear whether Landeskog will wear a letter on his jersey in Montreal, there’s no doubt he’ll play a major role in the locker room. Expectations are now sky-high for the Canadiens, who many had pegged as playoff outsiders just days ago. With Landeskog in the fold, their trajectory has changed dramatically.

When asked what message he had for Canadiens fans, Landeskog grinned and kept it simple:

“I didn’t come here to wind down. I came here to win.”

With the NHL landscape shifting yet again, all eyes are on Montreal—and the message is clear: the Canadiens are no longer just building for the future. They’re ready to fight for the present.

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