Newly-signed Winnipeg Jets' Gabriel Vilardi spoke to the media today and revealed he re-signed with the team because it feels like home and he can win with them. Gabriel Vilardi is betting on Winnipeg and on winning. <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/winnipeg-jets/winnipeg-jets-sign-star-forward-to-expensive-six-year-contract' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>The 25-year-old right winger inked a six-year, $45 million extension</a> with the Winnipeg Jets on Friday and will be in Manitoba until 2031. It's a clear message from both parties: <a href='https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/gabe-vilardi-wants-win-commits-201524592.html' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>it's a long-term romance based on winning.</a> Gabriel Vilardi has proven to be a building block of the Jets' core after arriving in the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade two summers ago. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/WPGMurat/status/1947328377406304461'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/WPGMurat/status/1947331777694945701'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> That deal also brought in Alex Iafallo and prospect Alfons Freij, though Rasmus Kupari departed later. But <a href='https://www.nhl.com/jets/player/gabriel-vilardi-8480014' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Vilardi</a> has been the blue-chipper, posting 27 goals and 61 points in 71 games last season, and 22 goals and 36 points in 47 games the previous season. <h3>Vilardi has dealt with a lot of injuries in his career and needs to remain healthy</h3> Injuries have hampered Vilardi's career, but when healthy, he's a difference-maker. Over the past two seasons with him in the lineup, Winnipeg has gone an impressive 82-30-6, a testament to his impact on the ice. Born in Kingston, Ontario, and a product of the Windsor Spitfires and Kingston Frontenacs, Vilardi confirms Winnipeg is home now. He loves Winnipeg. It feels like home for him; he knows he can win with the team, and he wants to be a part of that. «I love Winnipeg. It feels like home for me.» - Gabriel Vilardi <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/mitchellclinton/status/1947327810000875976'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1947338731054149661'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> He is joined by Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, and Neal Pionk as one of the longest-tenured players signed, creating a strong leadership core for a Stanley Cup-contending team. Next up: an entire 82-game season by Vilardi, something he has not yet accomplished. If he stays healthy, the future of the Jets is even brighter.