NHL Analyst Reveals the Three Front-Running Teams For Star Forward Gabriel Vilardi

The Winnipeg Jets finished the NHL regular season atop the standings, claiming the Presidents' Trophy, but were sent home by the Dallas Stars in six games during the second round of the playoffs.

With the offseason on the horizon, one of their big decisions is restricted free agent-to-be Gabriel Vilardi.

Vilardi was a steady player with 27 goals and 34 assists in 71 games, sharing the ice with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, who led the club in points.

Vilardi had a strong power play as well, with 12 goals and 13 assists, leading the club in power-play goals.

As a restricted free agent, whatever team seeks to sign Vilardi through an offer sheet must compensate the Jets with draft picks unless Winnipeg matches the offer.

Signing Vilardi will cost a team an estimated AAV of $6.8 million, as well as a 2026 first and third-round pick.

The Jets retaining him is the most likely scenario, per NHL analyst Bryan Logan, given his presence on a team that was third in goals per game and on power-play success.

But other clubs may pursue him, per Logan. Utah's playoff-perimeter franchise, the Mammoth, could insert Vilardi onto their second line between Nick Schmaltz and Barrett Hayton or demote a top-liner. Utah has the cap space and draft assets to make it work.

The Vancouver Canucks are another option. If they part ways with Pius Suter and Brock Boeser, they could free up enough cap space.

But unless Vilardi's contract is under $4.68 million AAV, Vancouver lacks the required draft picks and would need to negotiate a sign-and-trade with Winnipeg.

These scenarios make Vilardi one of the more intriguing names to watch this offseason.