Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel announced Monday that first-liner Gabriel Vilardi is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained during Sunday afternoon’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Arniel clarified that the injury was not related to the puck Vilardi took off the ear in the first period. He also mentioned that Vilardi’s status for the playoffs remains undetermined.

TSN’s John Lu reports that Alex Iafallo will move into Vilardi’s spot beside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, as well as Vilardi’s spot on the first power play unit. Mason Appleton will now backfill the bumper position on the second power play unit for Iafallo.

In Sunday’s 5-3 loss, Vilardi recorded one shot on goal and one hit in the 16:02 of ice time he had. He has 27 goals and 34 assists for a total of 61 points in 71 games played so far this season with the Jets.

Another key piece still missing from the Jets’ lineup is Neal Pionk, who remains week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Head coach Scott Arniel mentioned that Pionk has yet to resume skating. His last appearance was on March 11th against the New York Rangers.

Pionk was closing in on what could be considered the best season of his NHL career, recording nine goals and 28 assists for 37 points in 66 games.

As of Monday, Winnipeg remains atop both the Central Division and Western Conference with 100 points, just two shy of tying the Washington Capitals for first place in the NHL standings. The Jets will look to get back in the win column tomorrow evening when the Capitals make their lone visit to Manitoba’s capital. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. CT, and the game will be available on TSN3.

Make sure to read the pre-game and post-game article!