Vilardi scored a goal in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Wild.
Vilardi planted himself down low in front of Filip Gustavsson and was quickly rewarded when he slammed home a rebound goal midway through the first period. The goal was Vilardi's second of the season, and he's now racked up eight points through the first 10 games of the season. The 2017 first-round pick scored 27 goals last season, and he figures to be a 30-goal, 60-point threat as long as he continues riding shotgun alongside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor on Winnipeg's top forward line and power-play unit.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Breaks through with two points
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Vilardi scored a goal on two shots and added an assist in Friday's 5-3 win over the Flames.
Both of Vilardi's points came on the power play in the second period. The 26-year-old forward has retained his spots on the top line and first power-play unit this season, but he's gotten off to an uneven start. He's at one goal, five assists, 16 shots on net and an even plus-minus rating through eight appearances. Getting the first goal should help, and Vilardi is in a position to succeed, so his fantasy managers should stay patient as he looks to rediscover his 27-goal, 61-point form from 71 regular-season games in 2024-25.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Serves two apples in win
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Vilardi notched two assists, five shots on goal and a plus-1 rating during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Kings.
Vilardi's at an over point-per-game pace to start the season, now up to three assists through two games. The 26-year-old, who signed a big six-year contract extension in the offseason, has seen high usage so far, exceeding 19 minutes and logging over four minutes on the power play in each of his first two games. That bodes well for Vilardi to build on his career-high 61 points from the 2024-25 regular season.
Vilardi signed a six-year, $45 million contract with the Jets on Friday, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
Vilardi was a restricted free agent who would have gone to arbitration if he hadn't agreed to terms with Winnipeg. The 25-year-old recorded 27 goals and 61 points in 71 regular-season outings with the Jets in 2024-25. It was his third straight 20-plus goal season, but he shattered his previous career high of 41 points, which was set in 2022-23. His new cap hit suggests Winnipeg anticipates his 2024-25 production being his new normal. He's projected to serve on Winnipeg's top line and first power-play unit in the upcoming campaign, and he should maintain that role for years to come.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Picks up assist
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Vilardi recorded an assist in Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Stars in Game 6.
Vilardi picked up four points over six games in the second round. That was an improvement for the 25-year-old after he was held off the scoresheet in three first-round outings following his return from an upper-body injury. Vilardi added 21 shots on net, 11 hits, eight blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over nine playoff outings. He was a regular in the Jets' top six in 2024-25, earning 27 goals and 61 points in 71 regular-season games. He's a restricted free agent this offseason, but he should be back in the fold for 2025-26 once he signs a new deal.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Opens scoring on power play
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Vilardi scored a power-play goal on two shots and added three hits in Friday's 4-0 win over the Stars in Game 2.
Vilardi opened the scoring just 3:35 into the game, cashing in on Tyler Seguin's double-minor penalty for high-sticking. The 25-year-old Vilardi was a little slow out of the gates following an upper-body injury that cost him a month of action. He's ramped up now, earning a goal, an assist and seven shots on net over two games in the second round.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Puts up helper in loss
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Vilardi logged an assist, five shots on goal, two hits and two PIM in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Stars in Game 1.
Vilardi found Mark Scheifele for a goal to bring the Jets within one late in the second period, but they couldn't tie the game in the third. The helper was Vilardi's first point in four playoff outings. The 25-year-old returned to action in Game 5 of the first round versus the Blues after missing a month due to an upper-body injury, so it's possible he's just getting back up to speed. He's added 11 shots on net, five hits, five blocked shots and a minus-2 rating this postseason.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Poised to return Wednesday
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Vilardi (upper body) is expected to be back in the lineup for Game 5 versus the Blues on Wednesday, John Lu of TSN reports.
Vilardi has been out since March 23 versus the Sabres, a stretch of 15 games on the shelf due to his upper-body issue. The 25-year-old Ontario native should be in the mix for a top-six role, which will likely drop Alex Iafallo down the lineup.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Won't play in Game 4
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Vilardi (upper body) won't play against the Blues on Sunday in Game 4, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports.
Vilardi will miss his 15th straight game despite participating in the pregame warmups. Still, he appears close to a return to action and could be ready for Wednesday's Game 5 matchup versus St. Louis. Vilardi compiled 27 goals, 61 points and 130 shots on net across 71 appearances during the regular season. Once healthy, he could join the top six and see time on the top power-play combination.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Game-time call for Sunday
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Vilardi (upper body) will be a game-time decision against St. Louis on Sunday in Game 4 after being a full participant in Saturday's practice, Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press reports.
Vilardi has missed the last 14 games, including the first three outings of Winnipeg's first-round playoff series versus the Blues. He amassed 27 goals, 61 points and 130 shots on net across 71 regular-season appearances in 2024-25. If Vilardi receives the green light to return, he will probably land a top-six role and see time on the first power-play unit.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Not playing Thursday
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Vilardi (upper body) will not play in St. Louis for Game 3 on Thursday, Murat Ates of The Athletic reports.
Vilardi traveled with the Jets to St. Louis ahead of Thursday's game and participated in the morning skate, albeit in a non-contact jersey. Vilardi will miss his 14th straight game and is doubtful for Game 4 on Sunday at this time. Vilardi ended the regular season with 27 goals and 61 points in 71 games, all career highs. Alex Iafallo will continue to play on the top line with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele in Vilardi's absence.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Making trip Thursday
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Vilardi (upper body) will travel with the Jets for Thursday's Game 3 matchup in St. Louis, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports.
Vilardi has been out of action since March 23 versus the Sabres, a stretch of 13 games on the shelf due to his upper-body issue. In his 71 regular-season appearances this year, the 25-year-old natural center posted career highs in goals (27), assists (34) and power-play points (25). If given the all-clear for Game 3, Vilardi will likely be on both the first line as well as the No. 1 power-play unit.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Remains day-to-day
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Vilardi (upper body) is still day-to-day ahead of Thursday's Game 3 matchup versus the Blues, according to Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press on Tuesday.
Vilardi has missed the last 13 games, including the first two contests of Winnipeg's first-round series against St. Louis. However, he could be ready to return for Game 3 if he progresses in Wednesday's practice. Vilardi has been wearing a non-contact jersey in recent team sessions, and his ability to take some physicality will determine his availability. The 25-year-old forward amassed 27 goals, 61 points and 130 shots on net in 71 appearances during the 2024-25 regular season. Once healthy, Vilardi will probably occupy a top-six role and see time on the first power-play combination.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Still not ready
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Vilardi (upper body) participated in Sunday's optional practice but won't be available for Game 2 against St. Louis on Monday, Murat Ates of The Athletic reports.
Vilardi missed the final 11 games of the regular season and Saturday's playoff opener, and he hasn't been cleared for contact yet. The 25-year-old forward had 27 goals, 61 points, 130 shots on net and 50 blocked shots across 71 appearances in the 2024-25 regular season.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Unavailable Saturday
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Vilardi (upper body) won't play against the Blues on Saturday in Game 1, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.
Vilardi missed the final 11 games of the regular season and won't be ready for the start of Winnipeg's first-round playoff series. Once healthy, he could return to a top-line role and see time on the first power-play combination.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Remains out Wednesday
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Vilardi (upper body) isn't expected to play Wednesday versus Anaheim, per Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press.
Vilardi didn't join the Jets for their practice, though he did skate on his own Wednesday. He'll finish the regular season with 27 goals and 61 points in 71 appearances. Vilardi hasn't been in the lineup since March 23, but he might still be an option for Game 1 of the first round.
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Upgraded to day-to-day
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Vilardi (upper body) is now considered day-to-day after getting back onto the ice Tuesday, Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press reports.
While Vilardi wasn't officially ruled out against the Ducks on Wednesday, it would seem like a quick turnaround to immediately press him back into action in a game that doesn't mean anything for the Jets. As such, the 25-year-old Ontario native will likely finish the regular season having recorded career bests in goals (27), assists (34) and power-play points (25).
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Jets' Gabriel Vilardi: Deemed week-to-week
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Vilardi (upper body) didn't participate in Monday's practice and is week-to-week, Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press reports.
During Monday's media availability, head coach Scott Arniel said Vilardi's injury isn't related to the puck the 25-year-old took to the ear in Sunday's 5-3 loss to Buffalo. It's unclear if Vilardi will return before the end of the regular season. He has compiled 27 goals, 61 points and 130 shots on net in 71 games this season. Alex Iafallo replaced Vilardi on the top line in Monday's practice.
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