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Colorado Avalanche left winger Gabriel Landeskog, celebrates scoring the winning goal against the Anaheim Ducks during overtime of an NHL hockey game, March 12, 2012, in DenverThe Associated Press

With the NHL lockout dragging on, Gabriel Landeskog is heading home.

The Colorado Avalanche captain signed with Djurgarden in Sweden's second division on Wednesday, reuniting him with the team he played for prior to coming to North America.

"So excited to get back on the ice in front of family and friends. And especially, to play the game!" Landeskog said on Twitter.

The 19-year-old forward won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year last season, scoring 22 goals and 52 points after being picked second overall in 2011.

Colorado made him the youngest captain in NHL history last month.

Landeskog would have been eligible to play in the American Hockey League during the NHL lockout, but the Avs elected not to send him to their affiliate in Lake Erie.

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