The Winnipeg Jets took a firm step toward the upcoming season by securing a long-term deal with one of their young stars, who previously played for the Los Angeles Kings. The agreement confirms that center Mark Scheifele will have a key piece alongside him on the front line.
The Jets’ management sped up negotiations to avoid arbitration and ensure the team wouldn’t waste time during the offseason amid trade rumors and speculation. Winnipeg is locking in one of its cornerstones for the future without taking unnecessary risks.
The Jets enter the 2025–26 season with renewed expectations, with center Scheifele leading the offense. The team hopes to solidify itself as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference and now has a key player secured for the long term. The franchise trusts in the results of combining experience and youth.
Who is the player who re-signed with the Jets?
The right wing who signed a long-term deal with the Jets is none other than Gabriel Vilardi, who agreed to a six-year, $45 million contract with Winnipeg, carrying an average annual cap hit of $7.5 million. The deal cements his role as a fundamental piece of the franchise’s future.
Vilardi’s career path
Vilardi was selected 11th overall in the 2017 Draft by the Kings and made his NHL debut in 2020, scoring a goal on his first shot—setting a record. After developing in the OHL and AHL, he became a regular in the Kings’ lineup before being traded to the Jets in 2023 in the deal for Pierre-Luc Dubois.
In his first season with the Jets, Vilardi showed his offensive potential despite dealing with injuries. During the 2024–25 campaign, he had a breakout year with 61 points in 71 games, establishing himself as a key player for both the present and future of Winnipeg.