Former NHL defenseman Nick Boynton has shared a warning about Gabriel Landeskog’s playing future. Boynton, who retired from the NHL in 2011, has described the Colorado Avalanche captain as a “ticking time bomb” in terms of his playing style and the possibility of recurrent head injuries.
Landeskog, who is just 28 years old, is one of the most respected players in the NHL. He has played for the Avalanche since 2011 and has been named to multiple All-Star teams. He is known for his physical style of play, which often puts him in danger of injury.
According to Boynton, Landeskog’s aggressive play is a cause for concern when it comes to his long-term health. Speaking to the Denver Post, Boynton said, “I worry about guys like Landeskog. There’s going to come a point in time where his body won’t allow him to play the way he does. He’s a ticking time bomb, and it’s just a matter of when, not if, he’s going to have another concussion.”
Boynton speaks from personal experience when it comes to the risks of repeated head injuries. He has suffered from post-concussion syndrome and has spoken openly about the mental and physical toll it has taken on him. He is now an advocate for player safety and works with organizations to promote awareness of head injuries and their prevention.
Landeskog has already suffered multiple concussions during his career. In 2018, he missed four games due to a head injury and has also suffered from whiplash and a hip injury. Boynton is concerned that Landeskog’s style of play will result in more serious injuries in the future.
Despite these concerns, Landeskog has stated that he will not change his playing style. “The way I play is who I am,” he said in 2020. “I’m not going to change the way I play because of the likelihood of injury.”
It remains to be seen how Landeskog’s career will progress in the coming years. However, Boynton’s warning is a reminder of the risks associated with a physical style of play in the NHL. It’s essential for players to take their health seriously and to prioritize their long-term well-being over short-term success.
