Winnipeg Jets right wing Gabriel Vilardi
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 23: Winnipeg Jets right wing Gabriel Vilardi (13) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets, held on November 23, 2024, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gabe Vilardi signs six-year, $45 million extension with Winnipeg Jets
  • Deal carries $7.5 million AAV and avoids arbitration hearing
  • Read below for Vilardi contract details and what this means for the Jets

The Winnipeg Jets just locked up one of their most important forwards long-term.

Gabe Vilardi and the Jets agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $45 million on Friday, avoiding what could’ve been a messy arbitration battle. The deal carries a $7.5 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman broke the news, reporting “Gabe Vilardi 6 x $7.5M. Avoids arbitration with Jets.”

What a win for Winnipeg. They turned the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade into highway robbery, and now they’ve got Vilardi locked up at a reasonable number through his prime years.

The 25-year-old winger had a monster season in 2024-25 with career highs across the board. He potted 27 goals and dished out 34 assists for 61 points in 71 games. That’s nearly point-per-game production for a player who has battled injuries throughout his career.

Since arriving in Winnipeg two years ago, Vilardi has 97 points in 118 regular-season games. The former 11th overall pick finally found his footing after struggling with injuries in Los Angeles.

This deal makes even more sense after Nikolaj Ehlers bolted for Carolina in free agency. The Jets needed to keep the remainder if their core intact, and they got it done with Vilardi.

GM Kevin Cheveldayoff still has work to do with restricted free agents Dylan Samberg and Rasmus Kupari needing new deals. But with over $10 million in cap space, those shouldn’t be problems.

The real test comes next summer when Kyle Connor needs a new contract. His current $7.14 million deal is set to expire, and he’ll likely seek a substantial raise. Having Vilardi locked in at $7.5 million gives the Jets flexibility to pay Connor what he’s worth.

The bottom line is the Jets got a solid deal on a player entering his prime. Vilardi’s ready to take that next step, and Winnipeg just made sure he’ll do it in their jersey.