The Winnipeg Jets have locked in one of their prime younger forwards, signing Gabriel Vilardi to a six-year, $45 million contract extension with a mean annual worth of $7.5 million. The deal permits the Jets to keep away from arbitration with Vilardi and secures a key piece of their top-six ahead group by way of the 2030-31 season.
THE VILARDI PARTY CONTINUES FOR SIX MORE YEARS ? pic.twitter.com/YrELFRf2uk
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 18, 2025
Vilardi, initially drafted eleventh total by the Los Angeles Kings in 2017, posted 27 targets and 61 factors in 71 video games through the 2024-25 season. At simply 25 years outdated, he continues to develop right into a dependable offensive contributor and core participant for Winnipeg.
JFresh writes that Vilardi, “…regardless of being very sluggish, not bodily, not an excellent passer, not energetic with the puck, and continuously injured, places the puck within the web extraordinarily effectively, forechecks effectively, and attracts far more penalties than he takes.”
This transfer comes throughout an energetic 2025 NHL offseason, which has already seen main trades—reminiscent of Mitch Marner‘s departure—and a busy draft interval. By locking in Vilardi now, the Jets are securing a number of years of unrestricted free company, hoping it is a sensible guess because the wage cap continues to rise.
Vilardi’s extension additionally coincides with the discharge of the Jets’ 2025-26 schedule and the return of veteran ahead Jonathan Toews. The Jets are hoping to be contenders once more the season following their profitable the Presidents Trophy.
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