Gabriel Landeskog is nearing a return to the ice after a near-three-year injury hiatus, but Avalanche fans will have to wait a bit longer.

Team captain Gabriel Landeskog has been ruled “an option” for the Avalanche’s first-round series against the Dallas Stars, which begins Saturday night in Dallas. Speaking with reporters Friday, Avs head coach Jared Bednar addressed Landeskog’s status for the Western Conference's first-round matchup.

According to B/R Open Ice, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said Friday that Landeskog "is an option" for the Avs during their upcoming first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars. After skating with the team and getting back into playing condition, Landeskog was temporarily sent to the Avs' AHL affiliate in the Colorado Eagles.