The Winnipeg Jets could not defeat the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs earlier this year. In NHL Free Agency, they were dealt a major blow when Nikolaj Ehlers left to join the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite the unfortunate events over the last few months, Winnipeg has incredible talent, including players such as Gabriel Vilardi.
Vilardi signed a six-year contract extension this summer. The Jets star has emerged as a legitimate top-line talent who can make a significant impact offensively. He scored 27 goals and 61 points during the 2024-25 regular season.
He certainly hopes to help Winnipeg compete for some time. The Jets lost key pieces, but they believe they can still compete. They have the reigning Vezina Trophy winner and NHL MVP Connor Hellebuyck in goal. With him in goal, the Jets are confident they can continue being successful.
Vilardi wants to contribute in a major way. At his media availability, he was asked about his ceiling as a player and what he could do on the ice. The Jets star declined to put a cap on his ceiling, saying that even elite goal scoring wasn’t good enough for him.
“In terms of my ceiling, I don’t really know what my ceiling is. I’m not going to sit here and say it’s 50 goals or 60 goals because even if I did achieve that, it’s still not good enough. You can always keep climbing,” the Jets star said, via Sportsnet.
Gabriel Vilardi Comments on Winnipeg’s Window
Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesWinnipeg Jets star Gabriel Vilardi holds himself to a very high standard.
Losing a talent like Ehlers certainly hurts. The veteran winger is one of the most productive players in franchise history. The organization wanted to keep him around for the rest of his career. However, Vilardi believes this team can still contend.
“I think our window is four or five years here, and I think we have a really good shot, and I want to be a part of it,” Vilardi said, via Sportsnet. “I’m super excited to keep growing as an individual, keep growing as a team, and I think our mindset is win now, and we have the team to do it.”
Vilardi is joined by young stars such as Dylan Samberg and Cole Perfetti. These players can help the Jets remain competitive for years to come. With some of the prospects Winnipeg has on the way, there is still some space on the runway for the Jets.
Jets’ Vilardi is Focused on Improving as a Player
One sticking point that came up through Vilardi’s availability is improvement. As mentioned, he believes that he can continue improving even if he scores 50-60 goals in a season. Growing as a player is one of his main goals now that he’s signed on the dotted line.
“I know everyone has their opinions on the (cap hit). Some people say too high, some people say too low. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions. I just want to keep growing and developing my game,” the Jets star said, via Sportsnet.
Vilardi and the Jets have a point to prove in 2025-26. They are an intriguing team to follow as the new season draws near. Winnipeg opens the upcoming campaign on October 9 against the Stars.
Jets’ Gabriel Vilardi: 50, 60-Goal Seasons ‘Not Good Enough’