Rick Bowness reveals major update on forward Gabriel Vilardi

Winnipeg Jets' recent addition, Gabe Vilardi, isn't taking any time getting acclimatized to the fast lanes of pro hockey.

Gabe Vilardi's Journey with the Jets

Vilardi was part of the deal with Pierre-Luc Dubois made in the off-season by the Los Angeles Kings and has fit in seamlessly with the new team, proving his talent and an added asset.

This marks the first season with the Jets for Vilardi, and he has incredibly been able to record 16 goals and 30 points in 38 games, showing that he is really a man full of talent and really works very hard while on the ice. A native of Kingston, Ontario, Vilardi was selected by the Kings 11th overall in the 2017 draft. His 57 goals and 108 points in 190 games give an indication of his talent and potential in this league. However, Vilardi's journey this season has been anything but smooth.

A Setback and a Comeback

In late February, Vilardi faced a significant challenge. However, while playing the game against Dallas Stars, he suffered an upper body injury and missed the chance to further his rising career, one of which that had seen him develop into a goal-scoring national team player. Which became more concerning with the March 15 revelation from head coach Rick Bowness that Vilardi was being treated for an enlarged spleen and is out indefinitely. This news was a blow to the Jets, highlighting the physical toll the sport can take on its athletes.


The story took a positive twist, though, when Vilardi was spotted back on the ice, adorned in a regular jersey signaling his long-awaited return to the game. This development was not only a testament to Vilardi's resilience but also to the medical and support staff behind him.


His return to practice was paralleled by another comeback within the team, as head coach Rick Bowness resumed his duties after a minor medical procedure had him out of action all of the previous weekᅳadding to a sense of recovery and renewal within the team.


The path of Vilardi, in touching the feet to the ice again, is an amazing story filled with talent, adversity, and perseverance. Vilardi's path to get him here is an amazing story of talent, adversity, and perseverance.

His return adds another promising young player to the Jets, while Vilardi gets a fresh chance in the NHL to continue developing his promising career. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on him to see how he advances and contributes to his team's ambitions.


According to TSN the Projected Lines vs. Oilers - John Lu, TSN

F

Connor - Scheifele - Iafallo
Ehlers - Monahan - Toffoli
Niederreiter - Lowry - Appleton
Barron - Namestnikov - Perfetti

D

Morrissey - DeMelo
Dillon - Pionk
Stanley - Schmidt

G

Hellebuyck
Brossoit