Landeskog, Avs hope to agree on long-term extension

The Colorado Avalanche and captain Gabriel Landeskog both hope to put pen to paper on a long-term extension once the NHL's economic landscape comes into clearer view.

"Gabe is looking forward to staying his whole career with the Avs," his agent told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. "(General manager) Joe Sakic's intention is the very same ... we are looking forward to signing long term when we all know where COVID-19 is taking us."

Landeskog will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time following the 2021 season. He signed his current deal in 2013, which pays him $5.571 million per season.

The Avalanche hold a projected $26 million in available cap space for next season but only have 12 players signed for 2021-22. Superstar blue-liner Cale Makar (RFA) and goaltender Philipp Grubauer (UFA) are other key pieces that will need new contracts after the campaign.

Perennial MVP candidate Nathan MacKinnon is eligible for an extension after the 2021-22 campaign, too, so Sakic's navigation of the salary cap over the next few years will be key in keeping Colorado's Cup window open.

The Avalanche drafted Landeskog second overall in 2011. He won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year and has collected 460 points in 633 career games.