Gabriel Landeskog is just in his third NHL season, but as he put it, he’s been through a lot.
He’s won the Calder Trophy, become the youngest captain in NHL history, endured a lockout, recovered from a concussion, inked a seven-year, $39 million deal, and currently seems well on his way to making his playoff debut.
The Colorado Avalanche forward also turned 21 yesterday and is hoping that might lead to people looking at him a bit differently.
“Hopefully guys can stop calling me ‘Kid’ and think of me as a real adult now,” Landeskog told the Denver Post.
After a rough sophomore campaign, Landeskog has taken a step forward this season with seven goals and 16 points in 21 games. Meanwhile, the Avalanche have gone from one of the worst teams in the league during the shortened campaign to a legitimate contender for a playoff spot.
Before the campaign is over, he might also represent Team Sweden in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
So he might not be old, but his rookie days are well behind him.