Even less-than-faithful Colorado Avalanche fans will recognize some familiar faces this season. Among them, two Stanley Cup winners and Hockey Hall of Fame inductees: former Avs captain, now executive vice president of hockey operations Joe Sakic; and goalie-turned-coach Patrick Roy, whose…let’s call it passion for the game led to a small temper tantrum opening night—and a 14-3 start to the season. And then there’s this guy: captain Gabriel Landeskog, a 2011 rookie star whose sophomore season was shortened by injury (and a lockout). The standout left winger, blessed with both physicality and skill, returns this year with his baby blues set on playing deep into the spring—like, Stanley Cup deep. Look closely. This is the face of the new Avs.

Click here to get the full scoop on Landeskog and the team’s front office.

This article was originally published in 5280 December 2013.
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.