Avalanche sign Landeskog to seven-year extension

The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday they have signed captain Gabriel Landeskog to a seven-year contract extension.

The left wing will play out the final season of his entry-level contract this season. The extension goes into effect at the start of the 2013-14 season and runs through 2020-21. Financial terms of the deal were not released, but Sportsnet reported the total value to be $39 million.

"Gabe is and will continue to be a large part of the foundation of this hockey team for many years to come," said Joe Sakic, executive vice president of hockey operations. “Signing our captain to a long-term extension demonstrates the commitment of [owners] 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."

Landeskog, 20, had nine goals and eight assists in 36 games last season. The second pick of the 2011 NHL Draft, Landeskog won the 2012 Calder Memorial Trophy as the League’s top rookie after leading all first-year players with 52 points and finishing second with 24 goals. He led rookies in shots (270) and takeaways (58), and ranked second in plus/minus (plus-20). He had 219 hits, making him the second rookie to have 20 goals and 200 hits in a season, along with Dion Phaneuf (Calgary Flames) in 2005-06.

Landeskog followed that by being named captain Sept. 4, 2012, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history (19 years, 286 days). He was 11 days younger than Sidney Crosby, who was 19 years, 297 days when he was named captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins on May 31, 2007.

"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 in 118 NHL games. He helped Sweden win the gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World Championship, scoring three goals with a plus-4 rating in 10 games.