Winnipeg Jets, Gabriel Vilardi Avoid Arbitration With Six-Year, $38.5M Contract Agreement…read more…
The Winnipeg Jets and forward Gabriel Vilardi have reached a major milestone in their working relationship, avoiding arbitration by agreeing to a six-year contract worth $38.5 million. The deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $6.42 million, was announced just days before the two sides were scheduled to head to an arbitration hearing, signaling mutual interest in a long-term commitment.
Vilardi, 25, was one of the key pieces acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in the blockbuster Pierre-Luc Dubois trade during the 2023 offseason. After a breakout season with Winnipeg in 2023–24, in which he posted career highs despite dealing with injuries, the Jets made it clear they view the former first-round pick as a central part of their core moving forward.
A Breakout Year in Winnipeg
In 2023–24, Vilardi recorded 23 goals and 18 assists for 41 points in just 54 games. His ability to make an offensive impact while playing a strong two-way game impressed both management and fans. Though a mid-season MCL sprain forced him to miss significant time, he returned with determination and played key minutes during the Jets’ playoff push.
He spent time on Winnipeg’s top two lines and was regularly featured on the power play, where his slick puck-handling and quick release created consistent scoring chances. The Jets rewarded his efforts by opening long-term contract talks once the season concluded.
“We’re extremely excited to get this deal done,” said Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff in a team statement. “Gabriel is a player with immense talent and dedication. He has already shown that he can be a difference-maker on both ends of the ice, and we’re confident he will continue to grow into one of our franchise cornerstones.”
Avoiding Arbitration: A Win for Both Sides
Vilardi filed for salary arbitration earlier this offseason—a procedural move often used by restricted free agents (RFAs) to gain leverage. The hearing was scheduled for later this month, but both parties remained optimistic about striking a deal beforehand. In the end, the six-year term ensures the Jets buy multiple years of Vilardi’s unrestricted free agency, while the player locks in long-term financial security.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Vilardi and his camp were seeking a longer-term agreement from the start. The $6.42 million AAV positions him just behind Winnipeg’s top-paid forwards, such as Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, but comfortably ahead of other younger pieces, reflecting his value to the roster.
“We always wanted to stay in Winnipeg,” Vilardi said during a post-signing interview. “From Day 1, the organization believed in me and gave me a chance to prove what I can do. The fans have been great, and I’m looking forward to building something special here.”
Key Piece in Jets’ Long-Term Vision
Vilardi’s signing is the latest in a series of moves the Jets have made to secure their competitive future. Just last year, the team re-signed foundational pieces like Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele to long-term extensions. Now, with Vilardi locked in, Winnipeg has a core group of players under control for the foreseeable future.
The team is banking on its younger stars to take the next step. In addition to Vilardi, players like Cole Perfetti, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Rutger McGroarty are expected to play increasingly larger roles. The Jets are aiming to remain competitive in the Central Division, where they’ll continue to face stiff competition from the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and rising teams like the Arizona Coyotes.
Vilardi’s two-way play, size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds), and offensive instincts make him an ideal fit for head coach Rick Bowness’s system. His ability to play both center and wing also gives the team flexibility in their top six.
“Gabe’s versatility is huge for us,” said Bowness. “He can slot in at different positions and bring value in every situation—whether it’s 5-on-5, power play, or penalty kill. He’s just scratching the surface of what he can do.”
From Draft Day to Winnipeg
Vilardi was selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2017 NHL Draft. His early career was marred by injuries, particularly a chronic back issue that delayed his NHL debut until the 2019–20 season. Still, he showed flashes of his offensive upside with the Kings, posting 23 goals in 2022–23—his final year in Los Angeles.
The trade to Winnipeg offered a fresh start, and Vilardi made the most of it. With increased responsibility and consistent top-six usage, he has quickly become one of the team’s most important forwards.
Jets fans, who were initially wary of losing a player like Dubois, have embraced Vilardi’s presence and appreciated his hard-working, team-first approach.
Looking Ahead
With Vilardi now under contract through the 2030–31 season, the Jets can focus on rounding out the rest of their roster. They still have decisions to make on younger RFAs and may look to add depth via free agency or trade, but locking up a top-six forward in his prime years is a significant win.
The NHL’s salary cap is expected to rise gradually in coming seasons, making deals like Vilardi’s potentially more team-friendly over time. By committing to their young core now, the Jets hope to avoid a repeat of past offseasons where uncertainty clouded the direction of the franchise.
For Vilardi, the focus now shifts back to the ice—and to proving that last season’s success was just the beginning.
“I want to be a player this team can count on in big moments,” Vilardi said. “There’s a lot more I want to accomplish here, and I’m just getting started.”
Final Thoughts
By avoiding arbitration and securing a long-term deal with Gabriel Vilardi, the Winnipeg Jets continue to shape a competitive future built around youth, flexibility, and skill. The six-year pact provides stability for both sides and reflects growing confidence in Vilardi’s ability to be a consistent offensive contributor and leader. As Winnipeg eyes deeper playoff runs in the years to come, Vilard
i is poised to be a central figure in that pursuit.
