Gabriel Vilardi Commits to Winnipeg Jets with Six-Year, $45M Extension
So, big news coming out of Winnipeg today—Gabriel Vilardi has just inked a six-year, $45 million contract extension with the Jets. That’s a solid $7.5 million per year, and it marks a huge commitment from both Vilardi and the organization. If you’ve been following the Jets even casually, you’ll know how significant this is. After coming off a career year and avoiding salary arbitration, Vilardi is now officially locked in as a key part of Winnipeg’s future.
Vilardi, just 25 years old, had his breakout season last year with 27 goals and 61 points in only 71 games. That’s his highest point total yet in the NHL, and he added four points in nine playoff games too. Not bad for a player who’s dealt with injuries throughout his career. This deal is not just a reward for what he’s done—it’s a bet on what he can become. And honestly, based on his production when healthy, it looks like a smart one.
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Now, rewind a bit. Vilardi was originally drafted 11th overall by the LA Kings back in 2017. The Jets got him in that major trade in 2023 that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to Los Angeles. Along with Vilardi, Winnipeg also picked up Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, and a draft pick. At the time, it was seen as a bit of a shake-up for both franchises. But in hindsight, the Jets might be looking pretty smart.
In the two seasons since joining Winnipeg, Vilardi has developed into a top-six winger—shifting away from his early days as a center—and has made a strong impact despite some injuries slowing him down. What’s especially impressive is how he handled the pressure this past season. After a shortened 2023–24 due to injuries, he came into 2024–25 needing to prove he deserved a long-term deal. And he delivered. He came out firing—eight points in ten October games, then 14 points in 14 games in November—and just kept rolling from there.
This new contract signals a few things. First, the Jets are serious about building a core around young, high-potential talent. Second, Vilardi is ready to be a leader and contributor night in and night out. And third, Winnipeg is no longer just a stepping stone—it’s a destination for players looking to build something long-term.
With Nikolaj Ehlers now in Carolina and some power play time opening up, Vilardi is primed to take on an even bigger role. If he stays healthy and keeps up this pace, we might be talking about him as one of the premier wingers in the Western Conference before long.
So yeah, this extension isn’t just good for Vilardi or the Jets—it’s exciting for fans. We’re watching a young star grow into his prime, and now we know we’ll get to see it happen in Winnipeg for years to come.
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