The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is always a well-received honour within the NHL circles. Today’s news of the Gabriel Landeskog Bill Masterton victory just feels good. It makes you think of the game and how easily it can be taken away from you, and how lucky those are who play it at the highest level are, at the end of the day. For those who persevere, triumph following defeat, and show the determination of a leader of men, they truly deserve the honour. Every year, you can only have one winner, and this year it is the Colorado Avalanche captain, and former Stanley Cup Champion. He outdueled Rasmus Dahlin and Jonathan Toews for this year’s award. Let’s discuss Landeskog’s journey to get here. Landeskog was also awarded the Mark Messier Leadership Award to really hammer home the greatness he has exemplified and his return to lead the 2025-26 Presidents’ Trophy winners.
Credit Image: © Jeff Wheeler/Minneapolis Star Tribune/ZUMAPRESS.com
Today’s News Gabriel Landeskog Bill Masterton Trophy 2025-26 Recipient
This was a long time coming for Landeskog and the Colorado Avalanche team that he captains. Moreover, Landeskog was over three full-NHL regular seasons without playing a game. He did appear in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, so was just two months shy of three years between NHL hockey. And he never looked to miss a beat. Over his NHL playoff career, he has amassed 82 points in 87 games. And his play in the last two NHL postseasons, have been at the standard that Landeskog holds himself and his teammates accountable for playing at such an elite level, night in, night out.
How Did Landeskog Get Here
The story of the Gabriel Landeskog Bill Masterton buildup is fascinating. Landeskog knew a knee injury during the 2021-22 season would require extensive rehabilitation. However, the severity and delicate fix would take a very long time for Landeskog to recover from. Now that he has made it back to the highest level, everyone marvels at his dedication and perseverance of achieving his goal. Most importantly, in the locker room of his Colorado Avalanche teammates.
Perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Yeah. That's our Captain. pic.twitter.com/tldnmJgvuo
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 9, 2026
Landeskog’s competition would have also been fine choices. Jonathan Toews had been experiencing health issues the past few years that kept him away from the game. Therefore, him coming back for a possible swan-song with the Winnipeg Jets, his hometown team, must be bittersweet. Furthermore, Rasmus Dahlin played through tough times this year, with scary news from his fiance. After heart troubles led to an eventual transplant, his ability to be there to support her at times, and then still perform at the highest level for the Buffalo Sabres, was tremendous. Kudos to everyone involved in all these players’ unique situations, and the support they have received from the greater hockey community. It does let you see that the world is a good place and people want everyone to succeed.
Main Photo Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
