Winnipeg Jets talented forward Gabriel Vilardi has an injury and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Head Coach Rick Bowness gave the update on Wednesday that Vilardi has a knee injury. Everyone is thankful that the news was not worse.
Gabe Vilardi has a sprained MCL and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, per #NHLJets coach Rick Bowness.
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) October 18, 2023
Gabe Vilardi of the Winnipeg Jets Has a Knee Injury
The Gabe Vilardi knee injury was a result of a collision with Los Angeles Kings Blake Lizotte. Moreover, Lizotte was penalized on the play, and most people say Vilardi is lucky to have gotten off without a more serious injury. For Vilardi, he was looking strong to kick off the season after coming over in the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade in the summer. He had signed a two-year deal worth $6.875 M with the Jets after the acquisition.
Vilardi is a reason that you would suggest that the Jets actually won the trade that saw them give up Dubois. Coming into this season, Vilardi had obtained 78 points in 152 career NHL games. Furthermore, just last year he had an impressive 23 goals in just 63 games, with a just as impressive shooting % of 18.9. At 24 years old, Vilardi is coming into his own. He is a speedy forward, with a nose for the net, and able to make dynamic plays with the puck. Winnipeg is really hoping he can bounce back once healthy.
What Does This Mean for the Jets
For the Jets as a team, this is a disappointment, as Vilardi had been getting top-line minutes. He was finding himself playing with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, an enviable role for any onlooker. Also, he was finding himself on the top power play unit. Now, the Jets will be able to fill the role, as they do have plenty of talented forwards. Conversely, it was a great opportunity for Vilardi if he was able to take advantage. With him being out, it does make the Jets scoring depth more strained.
Main photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
