Gabriel Landeskog has emotional homecoming in AHL debut, but fight with young prospect leaves fans uneasy

Gabriel Landeskog was back in professional ice hockey, taking up duty with the Colorado Eagles, the AHL team of the Colorado Avalanche. Gabriel Landeskog's highly anticipated return to the Avalanche as captain was a shock-full experience of raw emotion, deafening cheers, and a little bit of controversy. Even with the massive fan support for Landeskog, there was a certain incident — a fierce scuffle with 20-year-old Ben Hemmerling — that left a section of Colorado fans agitated.


It took 1,020 days away from the ice on medical rehabilitation after a severe knee injury, but Gabriel Landeskog donned his skates for a conditioning assignment with the Colorado Eagles. His new No. 92 Eagles jersey was an immediate favorite, with merchandise lines running all over the arena. Even Colorado Avalanche superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar made an appearance to support their captain.
But whereas the crowd greeted his comeback with open arms, Gabriel Landeskog's night was not entirely smiles.


Halfway into the game, tensions did ignite as Silver Knights forward Ben Hemmerling got involved in a fight after being hit on Devante Stephens. Gabriel Landeskog intervened, grabbing the 20-year-old within a headlock — a gesture that shocked fans as well as Hemmerling himself. “That poor kid just trying to make his way and runs into Gabe Landeskog,” wrote one fan on the internet.
Although no real damage was done and the players were quickly separated by referees, the incident went viral. Some wondered if the veteran's reaction was in line with how a young player in a development league should respond, particularly with the stark physical disparity.
Landeskog, though, just rolled with the moment. “A headlock wasn’t necessarily planned when I woke up this morning,” he laughed after the game.
Despite the dust-up, Landeskog soaked in every second of his return to competitive play. After multiple knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant in 2023, his path back has been long and uncertain. The former Stanley Cup winner’s comeback has been chronicled in a TNT documentary series titled A Clean Sheet: Gabe Landeskog.
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar praised his captain’s persistence, saying, “I’m excited for him and his family. To finally get back on the ice in a game situation, I’m just thrilled for him.” Several Avalanche players, including long-time friend Erik Johnson, also highlighted Landeskog’s selfless decision to endure rehab for the sake of the team.
Also read: “Our breakouts were terrible,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar is unhappy with his team
Whether or not fans appreciated his passionate moment on the ice, something is sure: Gabriel Landeskog's presence is a big plus for the Avalanche — and the hockey world is noticing.