Jan 27, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets middle Gabriel Vilardi (13) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren (37) tangle in entrance of Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) within the third interval at Canada Life Centre. Obligatory Credit score: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Winnipeg Jets’ administration group continued to examine issues off their summer season To Do listing, as they introduced the hockey membership has reached an settlement with Gabriel Vilardi on a brand new contract extension.
One of many Jets’ high Restricted Free Brokers, the 25 12 months outdated proper winger was coming off a report setting marketing campaign, with profession highs in targets (27), assists, (34), and factors (61) so it’s a nice piece of stories that Gabe shall be donning a Winnipeg jersey for years to come back. Formally inked to a $45M contract masking the subsequent 6 NHL seasons, Vilardi will get an enormous increase with a yearly common of $7.5M (up from $3.4M final 12 months).
Right here is how the 6’3″ proper winger has finished to this point in his hockey journey (by way of PuckPedia):
I’m certain that head coach Scott Arniel was glad to listen to the information, which is able to give him the choice of operating again final 12 months’s high unit that includes Mark Scheifele (87 pts), Kyle Connor (97 pts), & Vilardi.
But the work shouldn’t be finished for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, as he nonetheless has to cope with RFAs Dylan Samberg & Parker Ford (Chevy was fast & signed Ford for two yr @ $812,500 whereas I used to be scripting this) earlier than contemplating new contracts for Winnipeg’s upcoming UFAs like Adam Lowry & Connor.
What do you consider the deal??? Personally, if Vilardi can have comparatively wholesome seasons sooner or later, his down low play shall be a giant increase for the Jets in upcoming years.
