Ever since Gabriel Landeskog pulled on the Colorado Avalanche sweater as the second overall pick in the 2011 draft, he’s been raising his game. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year, then was named the youngest captain in NHL history. On Thursday, he signed a seven-year extension with the Avalanche that will keep him in Colorado through 2021.
Ever since Gabriel Landeskog pulled on the Colorado Avalanche sweater as the second overall pick in the 2011 draft, he’s been raising his game. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year, then was named the youngest captain in NHL history. On Thursday, he signed a seven-year extension with the Avalanche that will keep him in Colorado through 2021.Andy King/Associated Press file photo (2011)

DENVER

The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday the team agreed to terms with captain Gabriel Landeskog on a seven-year contract extension through the 2020-21 season.

“Gabe is and will continue to be a large part of the foundation of this hockey team for many years to come,” Avalanche Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic said.

“Signing our captain to a long-term extension demonstrates the commitment of Stan and Josh Kroenke to this franchise and to our fan base. In just two seasons, Gabe has already proven to be a great asset to our organization both on and off the ice. The fact that he has agreed to a long-term deal shows that he believes in this team, his teammates and the direction of this franchise moving forward.”

The second overall selection in the 2011 NHL Draft, Landeskog won the 2011-12 Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s Rookie of the Year. He followed that up by being named team captain of the Avalanche on Sept. 4, 2012, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history (19 years, 286 days). He was 11 days younger than Pittsburgh Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby.

“I would like to thank the Kroenke family and the entire Avalanche organization for their trust and belief in me,” Landeskog said. “I love Colorado, and I love being a part of this wonderful community. There is no other place I’d rather be than in Denver wearing the Avalanche logo. I am looking forward to training camp and the upcoming season.”

Landeskog has 31 goals and 38 assists for 69 points in 118 career games. As a rookie in 2011-12, he finished tied for first among all freshmen with 52 points.