Horrible News Emerges Regarding Gabe Vilardi's Status for the Rest of the Season

Forward Gabriel Vilardi is out on a week-to-week basis with an upper-body injury he sustained in Sunday's game against the Buffalo Sabres, head coach Scott Arniel confirmed Monday, and as reported by John Lu.

Arniel described the injury as a "freak" incident and said it had nothing to do with the puck that struck Vilardi's ear in the first period. His playoff status is in the air.

With Vilardi out, Alex Iafallo will take his place on the top line with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, and he will be the first power-play unit's net-front presence as well, writes TSN's John Lu.

Mason Appleton will take Iafallo's previous role in the bumper slot on the second power-play unit.

Vilardi skated 16:02 of ice time in Sunday's 5-3 loss, slightly below his season mark of 18:08, and recorded a shot on goal and a hit. He has 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points this season in 71 games, his second year with the Jets.

Winnipeg enters Monday's action atop the Western Conference with a 48-19-4 record and 100 points, two behind the Washington Capitals for the NHL lead. The two teams are set to face each other Tuesday night at Bell MTS Place.

Arneil also told reporters today that injured defenceman Neal Pionk remains out week-to-week with a lower-body injury and his return date remains hazy.

Arneil said Pionk has not yet resumed skating, which is not a good sign. He last played on March 11th against the New York Rangers. The 29-year-old defenseman has nine goals and 28 assists for a total of 37 points in 66 games this season.