The Winnipeg Jets and forward Gabriel Vilardi have reached an agreement on a two-year contract, avoiding arbitration. The deal has an average annual value of $3.4375 million. Vilardi, who was acquired by the Jets in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings last month, filed for arbitration earlier this month as a restricted free agent. He had an impressive season with the Kings, tallying 41 points in 63 games.
The importance of signing this deal before arbitration
Avoiding arbitration was crucial for both Vilardi and the Jets. For Vilardi, it would not have been ideal to have his first contract with the Jets determined through arbitration. After a breakout season with the Kings, he deserved a raise, and going through arbitration could have resulted in Jets management arguing against that. By signing the deal before arbitration, both parties can start their relationship on the right foot.
This contract makes sense for Vilardi
Some fans might be concerned about the two-year term of Vilardi’s contract, thinking it might be too short. However, there are benefits to this shorter term. Vilardi will have two years to get familiar with the Jets’ city and organization before making any long-term commitments. He can build on his breakout season and solidify his role in Winnipeg’s top six. This shorter term also gives him time to determine if he sees himself as a long-term fit with the team.
Why this deal works for Winnipeg
From Winnipeg’s perspective, the two-year term protects against an early unrestricted free agency (UFA) exit for Vilardi. If he had signed a three-year contract, it would have ended in 2026, one year before his earliest eligibility for UFA status. By signing a two-year deal, the Jets have two opportunities to sign him long term: in 2025 when this contract ends and again in 2026 if they choose to go short term in 2025. This protects the Jets from potentially losing Vilardi to free agency too soon.
What does this mean for Winnipeg’s salary cap?
The Jets are projected to start the season with approximately $3.8 million in cap space. This gives them plenty of room to work with and potentially be buyers at the trade deadline. However, the futures of Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele, who have uncertain contract situations, could impact the team’s cap space. The Jets also need to sign Logan Stanley, Rasmus Kupari, and Declan Chisholm, which will eventually require a player being sent to the minors. Nonetheless, the Jets have a good amount of cap space to start the season.
What comes next?
The additional cap space provides flexibility for the Jets. They can make additions during the season if they want to pursue immediate-term success. It also gives them options if they decide to trade Hellebuyck and Scheifele mid-season. By the trade deadline, the needs of other teams will be clearer, and the Jets will have paid most of Hellebuyck and Scheifele’s cap hits. This added flexibility allows them to make trades that could benefit the team in terms of increasing trade returns or acquiring quality players with manageable cap hits. In the short term, the Jets will address the futures of Kupari, Stanley, and Chisholm. They might also look to clear some space on their crowded blue line. The uncertainty surrounding Hellebuyck and Scheifele will be addressed, even if immediate clarity is not achieved. The Jets are not in a rebuild mode and will navigate these uncertainties to stay competitive and in the playoff mix.
In conclusion, the contract agreement between Gabriel Vilardi and the Winnipeg Jets is a positive development for both parties. Vilardi gets a fair deal after an impressive season, while the Jets secure a talented player with potential for long-term success. The contract protects against early UFA status for Vilardi and provides the Jets with flexibility in managing their salary cap. With additional cap space, the Jets can make moves to improve their roster and remain competitive. The future looks promising for both Vilardi and the Jets as they embark on this new chapter together.