The Winnipeg Jets have inked forward Gabriel Vilardi to a six-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million.

Vilardi, 25, is coming off a breakout season in Winnipeg, setting career highs across the board: 27 goals, 34 assists, 61 points, and 71 games played. He added another four points (1G, 3A) in nine playoff games and played a key role on both the top line and first power-play unit. His 2024-25 campaign also saw him notch personal bests in power-play goals (12), power-play points (25), and average TOI (18:08), while tying his career high with six game-winning goals.

The 6’3” Kingston native played first-line right wing beside Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele — a trio that combined for 245 points, making them one of the league’s most potent offensive lines. Vilardi’s net-front prowess on the power play has become a signature part of his game, with his slick hands and tight-space control making him a unique weapon in the Jets’ arsenal.

Originally selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2017 NHL Draft, Vilardi has now amassed 90 goals and 175 points in 270 career NHL games split between the Jets and Kings. In the playoffs, he’s tallied 12 points (3G, 9A) in 21 games.

This extension comes as Vilardi was approaching arbitration, following a two-year bridge deal ($3.43M AAV) signed after arriving from L.A. in June 2023. The new deal ensures stability for both the player and the team as Winnipeg continues to solidify its core.

With Vilardi signed, the Jets now have just one restricted free agent left to sign: defenceman Dylan Samberg. Earlier today, they inked forward Parker Ford, while Tyrel Bauer and Morgan Barron agreed to terms earlier this week.