I think that CSV has promise. But KC and Scheifele have played better without each other than they have played together. Adding Vilardi probably doesn't change that. And what are the odds of Vilardi playing more than 60 games?
Even if it works, it probably is < optimal deployment.
I think there are different combos to look at...KC/Scheif with Iafallo was a net positive, with Ehlers a positive, with Namestnikov a negative. With Appleton, negative. With Vilardi, it's even, but a relatively small sample size, and I think the end of the season was worse than the start, as the stars maybe got into a comfort zone of coasting a little, with the playoffs being solidified. Vilardi didn't come back the same as he started, after injury 3, either.
Now the one good month Ehlers had with Scheif is worth something (it was what 12 goals in 5 games for that line), but it's only a month, and maybe just maybe he and Namestnikov like playing together, and the 2nd line as structured was also a positive last year.
I think coaches generally have a feel for their team. And you do try to keep your star players happy. Since it is Winnipeg, and we don't grow them on trees.
I hope Vilardi can stay healthy, this is a crucial year for him, to kind of set the bar higher.