The Winnipeg Jets have signed forward Gabe Vilardi to a two-year contract.
The Jets and Vilardi have managed to dodge a possible arbitration hearing, as the two sides have come together on a two-year, $6.875 million bridge-style contract.
The deal features a $3.4375 annual average value for the Jets' newcomer, who joined the team as a key piece of the return the Pierre-Luc Dubois sign-and-trade in late-June.
"I’m excited," he said in his first media availability following the trade. "I’m really excited to be back in Canada."
6-foot-3, 220-pound forward was drafted by the Kings and spent parts of four seasons within the organization, bouncing between the American Hockey League's Ontario Reign and the Kings.
Last year he had 23 goals and 41 points in 63 regular season games, before scoring twice and adding another two helpers in five postseason contests.
The summer of 2023 is the second instance to which he was a restricted free agent. And thanks to the two-year deal reached on Wednesday, the 2017 11th overall pick will find himself in the same boat come 2025.
“It's a little different this year," Vilardi said in his availability. "Obviously last year it wasn’t much negotiation. It was just here, take this. And then, thank you. Obviously this year’s a little different because of my season. But there wasn’t much from L.A.
"Now, just moving forward, the Jets traded for me so obviously they want me. I want to be there, I’m excited. Hopefully we can get something done here soon. I think for the most part, it’s just my agent. I don’t really know much.”
Now, in a matter of just mere moments, Vilardi doubled his estimated career earnings with one swipe of a pen. And he has about 6.875 million reasons to be grateful that he won't need to endure the salary arbitration hearing, originally scheduled for July 28.