Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi should play key role in team's offence if he can avoid the injury bug
In 47 games last season, Gabriel Vilardi finished with 22 goals and 14 assists for 36 points in his first campaign with the Winnipeg Jets. Despite missing time with injuries, his 0.77 point-per-game average was top four on the team and with a projected first line placement, the young 25-year-old could breakout in a big way.
Veterans Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele are both elite players and with Vilardi on their wing, he should be able to easily maintain his average if not build upon it.
Over four seasons with the Kings, Vilardi recorded 41 goals and 37 assists for 78 points in 152 games with his point totals growing every season. The Kingston, ON native may not be a world-class superstar but he could prove to be a difference maker if he can contribute 60-70 points for the Jets.
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ESPN seemingly believes Vilardi won't be able to stay healthy as they project him for 64 games this season in which he will record 26 goals and 19 assists for 45 points. Yahoo Sports is slightly more optimistic as they have him projected for 31 goals and 21 assists for 52 points. DraftKings Sportsbook also has a over/under of 26.5 goals this upcoming season.
There's a wide variety of predictions for Vilardi this season with the biggest determining factor being his health. Vilardi is yet to have played more than 63 games in a season and shows we are yet to see his full capabilities. The best case scenario is a solid campaign that could hopefully fulfil the missing point production left by the departure of Sean Monahan and Tyler Toffoli, who left in free agency.