Vilardi agrees to deal with Jets to avoid arbitration

*Photo from LA Kings Insider*

   This case is closed for a few years. The Winnipeg Jets and C/RW Gabe Vilardi have agreed to a two year, $6.875 million contract, according to an announcement made by the Kings.

   An RFA with an arbitration hearing scheduled, that hearing is no longer necessary for Vilardi and the Jets, who have agreed to a new deal. Vilardi was acquired in June as part of the return in the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade.

   Vilardi said of the trade that it "did take me by surprise a little bit, but it's just part of hockey, that's the way it goes. You go where you're wanted kind of thing, so I'm super grateful the Jets believe in me and wanted me, and I'm hopeful I can prove them right, keep growing my game and become an even better player."

   After playing out a one year, $825,000 contract last season, Vilardi's new contract has a $3.4375 million AAV, with no incentives or trade protections included. At the end of the 2024-2025 season, Vilardi will still be an RFA with arbitration rights.

   Last season was Vilardi's first full NHL season and 4th overall. He ended the year with career highs in goals with 23, assists with 18, and points with 41. He posted a +10 rating while averaging 15:36 of ice time in 63 games. He added two goals and two assists in 5 playoff games.

   Vilardi has spent his entire NHL career with the Kings as a first round draft pick in the 2017 draft. Since debuting, he has 41 goals and 37 assists, averaging 14:47 of ice time with a -3 rating in 152 regular season games. Vilardi has an additional two goals and two assists with a even 0 rating in 7 career playoff games.

   Asked about the transition to Winnipeg, Vilardi said that "It'll be different for sure. L.A. was great, the fans were great there, I loved playing there, but it's not the same as playing in a Canadian market, for sure. I'm excited for that, and it'll definitely be a different experience going from the beach in L.A. where nobody knows you to Winnipeg. It'll be fun, though, I'm excited. But yeah, I do have to get some warmer clothes."

   With Vilardi now under contract, the Jets have approximately $3.8 million in cap space to work with. Logan Stanley and Rasmus Kupari are their two remaining RFA's without a contract.