IS THIS A JOKE? NO I CAN’T STAND AND WATCH THIS HAPPEN: Colorado Avalanche Star Gabriel Landeskog send stunning massive message to General Manager Chris MacFarland Regarding…..

In a moment that has rocked the Colorado Avalanche locker room and stunned fans, captain Gabriel Landeskog has reportedly issued a powerful and emotional message to General Manager Chris MacFarland regarding the direction of the team—and, more specifically, its handling of his ongoing injury and leadership role.

Sources close to the situation say the veteran forward, sidelined for over two seasons due to a complex knee cartilage transplant, finally reached his breaking point. The frustration boiled over after Avalanche management made key roster decisions this offseason that Landeskog felt excluded from—moves he believes threaten the team’s chemistry, long-term future, and his own comeback efforts.

—

The Message That Shook Ball Arena

According to insider reports, Landeskog delivered a “fiery and direct” private message to MacFarland earlier this week that included the words:

> “Is this a joke? No, I can’t stand and watch this happen to the team I bled for. This isn’t who we are, and it’s not how we win.”

Those close to Landeskog describe the conversation as one of the most impassioned statements he’s made in his 13-year NHL career. While the full contents remain behind closed doors, it’s clear the 32-year-old captain is no longer willing to remain silent as decisions are made about the Avalanche’s future—with or without him.

—

What Sparked the Outburst?

Several factors appear to have contributed to Landeskog’s message:

Lack of Transparency: Landeskog reportedly felt blindsided by recent trades and free-agent signings that altered team dynamics without his input, despite still being the team’s captain.

Uncertain Return Timeline: GM MacFarland’s public comments earlier this year shifted from optimism to vague uncertainty, with him telling reporters, “I think you guys can figure out where this is going.”

Locker Room Culture Concerns: Landeskog has long been viewed as the Avalanche’s emotional leader. With his extended absence, sources say he’s worried about leadership erosion in the dressing room.

Playoff Pain: After battling through rehab and suiting up briefly during the playoffs, the decision to once again shelve Landeskog’s return timeline hit a nerve.

—

MacFarland’s Response

When asked about the confrontation, MacFarland declined to comment directly but acknowledged in a press briefing that “every player wants to compete, and no one wants that more than Gabe.” He added:

> “We’re doing everything in our power to get him back healthy and to build a team he can return to proud of.”

However, insiders suggest there’s growing tension between the front office’s pragmatic approach and Landeskog’s passion-driven leadership style.

—

What’s Next for Landeskog?

While he remains under contract through 2029 with a $7 million AAV, the physical toll of his injury—and now the emotional toll of the team’s direction—raise real questions about whether he’ll return as the same player or consider early retirement.

Still, Landeskog remains focused on recovery, training privately and participating in limited on-ice drills with trainers in the Denver area.

—

💬 Fan Reaction: Avalanche Nation Divided

The Avalanche fanbase has erupted on social media. Some support MacFarland for making tough decisions to keep Colorado competitive in the post-Cup era. Others rally behind Landeskog, calling him the heart and soul of the team and demanding he be given a bigger voice in decisions.

> “He’s our captain. Not just in name, but in spirit. You don’t silence a lion like Gabe,” one fan posted on X.

—

🧭 Final Word

One thing is clear: Gabriel Landeskog is not going quietly into the night. Whether or not his message changes the trajectory of the front office’s plans, it sends a chilling signal that the Avalanche’s internal harmony may be at risk—and that their most beloved leader still has fire left in him.