DENVER — The Avalanche will be without their captain for at least three months.

Gabe Landeskog underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, coach Jared Bednar told reporters Wednesday after morning skate, and Landeskog is expected to miss the next 12 weeks.

The timeline suggests Landeskog won’t return to play in games until at least January.

“Gabe Landeskog had arthroscopic surgery yesterday on his knee and is expected to miss 12 weeks, give or take,” Bednar said before Colorado hosted Winnipeg at Ball Arena. “It started bugging him when he started training and getting back on the ice. So, they had it looked at and images taken. He decided on surgery. He had it in Minneapolis and he’ll be back today and join the team back tomorrow.”

Landeskog recorded 59 points (30 goals) last season and had knee surgery in March to be ready in time for the playoffs. The 29-year-old Sweden native was solid in the postseason — 11 goals and 11 assists over 20 games — but it appears his knee issue was not resolved.

Landeskog’s absence carries a significant impact on the Avalanche moving ahead.

Colorado will rely more heavily on its forward depth after losing Lukas Sedlak on waivers (Philadelphia) and reassigning Ben Meyers to the Colorado Eagles (AHL). The team’s fourth line Wednesday against the Jets: Anton Blidh-Jayson Megna-Martin Kaut.

Wingers Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin must continue pacing the top-six with elite scoring, just like they’ve done in three games to open the season, combining for six goals and four assists. The spotlight on second-line center Alex Newhook also grows brighter. Everyone must step up their game.

The more difficult Landeskog traits to replicate, though, are the leadership intangibles that define the Avs’ longtime captain. Bednar indicated that Landeskog will have a presence at the team facility throughout his rehabilitation process. Colorado will certainly miss his on-ice presence over the next 12 weeks.

The Avalanche will need Landeskog more than ever once the playoffs begin.

“It’s certainly up to other guys to step up. We’ve got a strong core of guys that can lead in our room, no question,” Bednar said. “They’re not even all wearing letters; like (Devon) Toews, (Cale) Makar and (Josh) Manson. We’ve got experienced guys in the back end. Up front obviously, too.

“But Gabe is a huge part of it. Just his presence and calming influence on our locker room. The input he has, it’s very timely and it’s very specific. It’s like he’s an extension of the coaching staff. So, we miss him, no question. Never mind what he does on the ice. Just being around and his leadership. … He’s an important piece, but this is part of the game.”