WINNIPEG — Gabriel Vilardi was nearing a season free of injuries, a personal milestone after years of dealing with back issues and a shortened previous season in Winnipeg.
After struggling with chronic back problems post-draft and an injury-marred first season with the Jets, Vilardi had set his sights on playing a full 82-game season this year.
However, an upper-body injury has sidelined him week-to-week, disrupting those plans.
Coach Scott Arniel expressed his disappointment, noting Vilardi`s dedicated summer training aimed at achieving a full season.
Arniel mentioned the injury was unrelated to Vilardi`s earlier exit from Sunday`s game after taking a puck to the ear, describing it as an unusual incident.
Vilardi did experience an awkward fall in his last shift against Buffalo.
The week-to-week timeline is concerning, given the playoffs are approaching.
Losing Vilardi is a significant setback for the Jets, regardless of the duration of his absence.
Vilardi has achieved career highs this season with 27 goals and 61 points in 71 games, projecting to 31 goals and 70 points over a full season. His net-front presence is among the league`s best, and he`s a top power-play scorer.
His impact extends beyond scoring.
Impact on Scheifele and Connor
Vilardi`s presence has been crucial to the success of Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor`s line.
He was the ideal winger for the duo, providing size, puck protection, and offensive zone sustainment.
An NHL assistant coach described Vilardi as a “modern day power forward” and a perfect complement to Scheifele and Connor, praising his hockey sense and ability to create space.
5-on-5 Impact Stats
Vilardi`s puck skills in tight spaces are essential to Scheifele and Connor`s scoring.
Alex Iafallo is stepping in as Vilardi`s replacement, bringing a strong forechecking presence.
Iafallo, known for winning battles and net-crashing, previously played with Scheifele and Connor. However, his playmaking differs from Vilardi, and playing on his off-side may present challenges for passing.
Ideally, a right-shot playmaking winger would be preferable, but options are limited. Mason Appleton, the only other right-shot winger, has had limited recent scoring.
Nino Niederreiter, while another option, is not as effective along the boards or as a passer compared to Vilardi or Iafallo.
Power Play Implications
Vilardi`s playmaking and net-front scoring have been key to the Jets` power play success, drawing attention away from Scheifele and Connor.
Teams have begun focusing on Vilardi, impacting the Jets` power play conversion rate recently. Their power play efficiency has decreased in the last 20 games as Vilardi has had less space.
His shot volume has also declined in this period.
Gabriel Vilardi Power Play Production per 60
Iafallo is expected to take Vilardi`s place on the top power-play unit.
