Player Discussion: Gabriel "The Net Front King" Vilardi

[Jets 31]

I think Vilardi is going to be a really good player for the Jets. Maybe his goal song. Vilardi, oh, oh oh.

 

[Jets 31]

Kings fan.

As much as it’s open to debate as to who ends up the better player, I don’t much care. I hate the trade mostly because I rate Vilardi so highly.

I fully expected him to get through his back issues and the wall of silence around injuries in LA means we have no idea if his other injuries are related. I guess questions will remain about his durability until he plays 75g + but personally I’m not worried.

Hes a great player, smart, strong, good vision, high skill and great hands. I’d certainly gamble on locking him up long term because he has lots of further upside to unlock. I wish him well.

Kupari started hitting his stride with us when he embraced that bottom-6 role. A lot of Kings fans think he was mishandled, and he may have been here or there, but he's not a top-6 talent. He's never exhibited that kind of scoring prowess at any time in our system, even when he was given great minutes in the minors. Expecting 2nd line production out of him is too high of an expectation, I see him topping at around 25, maybe 30 points even if he sees increased time. You could put him on a top line and get 30-35, I suppose, but that's not really feasible.

He started turning into a fantastic energy guy and an adept penalty killer, to the point where McClellan started putting him out in key situations on the PK. He went from hesitant and a bit contact shy to someone who would go in hard and muck it up. He's not gonna drop them all the time but he's not soft. He's a passable 3rd liner if you need him to be, but I see him as a top 4th-line guy, like a Cizikas with a little less touch and more size. He's decent on the dot and one part of his value is being able to spell the top centers by not having to roll them out on the PK.

Thanks for these fan breakdowns , very informative. Hope Dubois works out for you guys, just not when you play the Jets.

 

[Daximus]

Fans in every fanbase think that their "highly promising former 1st round pick with great pedigree" not living up to expectations is because of the player being mishandled. There are people in the Jets fandom who think Veslainen couldn't make it because he was mishandled.

I am not expecting much more than a bottom-6 player from him, if he can be a decent bottom-6 player that'd be good by me. A Joel Armia type might be the absolute best case scenario if everything goes right.

We've been down that road a few times with players. Sometimes the fans are right and sometimes the fans are wrong.

It took the Jets to have some injuries for them to put players in positions that allowed them to succeed. Scheif in the absence of Little, Ehlers getting out of the bottom 6 playing with Thorburn and Connor getting a crack at the roster when Perreault went down.
But we have had many instances where highly touted players have struggled no matter the positions they were put in like Petan, De Leo, Harkins, Vesalainen.

In some ways we are teetering on that edge again with Heinola. Where many fans just feel he needs to be put into a position to succeed and the Jets aren't really giving it to him.

 

[DannyGallivan]

We've been down that road a few times with players. Sometimes the fans are right and sometimes the fans are wrong.

It took the Jets to have some injuries for them to put players in positions that allowed them to succeed. Scheif in the absence of Little, Ehlers getting out of the bottom 6 playing with Thorburn and Connor getting a crack at the roster when Perreault went down.
But we have had many instances where highly touted players have struggled no matter the positions they were put in like Petan, De Leo, Harkins, Vesalainen.

In some ways we are teetering on that edge again with Heinola. Where many fans just feel he needs to be put into a position to succeed and the Jets aren't really giving it to him.

Although this thread about Vilardi, I just want to give my 2 cents on some players you mentioned.

Heinola reminds me of the kid who was great until about 13 years old when hitting and size played a role. Some “Ted Lindsay” types of smaller kids just fought harder. Kids like Heinola wilted a bit. Sure they were good quarterbacking the power play where they were immune to physical punishment, but that’s it. Bottom line… I don’t think Heinola will be able to crack an NHL lineup permanently and if we can foist him on another team we should do that quickly.

Harkins: There was a time when the Jets were a better team when Harkins looked great. I thought he was better than prime Appleton. Then something happened (injuries) and his game faltered big time. However, he had a great season on the farm and I’m thinking that he should get another crack at the bottom six, at least when injuries hit. As long as Appleton is pencilled in for a roster spot, I believe there’s room for Harkins (taking Appleton’s place).

 

[BoneDocUK]

Although this thread about Vilardi, I just want to give my 2 cents on some players you mentioned.

Heinola reminds me of the kid who was great until about 13 years old when hitting and size played a role. Some “Ted Lindsay” types of smaller kids just fought harder. Kids like Heinola wilted a bit. Sure they were good quarterbacking the power play where they were immune to physical punishment, but that’s it. Bottom line… I don’t think Heinola will be able to crack an NHL lineup permanently and if we can foist him on another team we should do that quickly.

Harkins: There was a time when the Jets were a better team when Harkins looked great. I thought he was better than prime Appleton. Then something happened (injuries) and his game faltered big time. However, he had a great season on the farm and I’m thinking that he should get another crack at the bottom six, at least when injuries hit. As long as Appleton is pencilled in for a roster spot, I believe there’s room for Harkins (taking Appleton’s place).

Harkins, sure.

Heinola strongly disagree. I feel like a lot of his rep as a wilting flower is from folks who haven't seen much of him outside of his handful of NHL games. He's much tougher and chippier than that and is closer to Perfetti than KFC in his willingness to go to the harder areas and mix things up, for better or worse. Hopefully he's worked hard this offseason and gets a run of games without fear of an instant pull before we foist him anywhere.

Back OT, not super happy that Villardi's filed. Expecting Chevy to offer something palatable to head off a hearing.

 

[surixon]

Harkins, sure.

Heinola strongly disagree. I feel like a lot of his rep as a wilting flower is from folks who haven't seen much of him outside of his handful of NHL games. He's much tougher and chippier than that and is closer to Perfetti than KFC in his willingness to go to the harder areas and mix things up, for better or worse. Hopefully he's worked hard this offseason and gets a run of games without fear of an instant pull before we foist him anywhere.

Back OT, not super happy that Villardi's filed. Expecting Chevy to offer something palatable to head off a hearing.

Yeah, Ville plays with a chip on his shoulder in the AHL and is much more assertive. He simply put hasn't found his confidence at the NHL level yet. If he gets a long leash like Stanley/Snerg got and settles I think many will be happy with his game.

 

[MelikeJets]

Yeah, Ville plays with a chip on his shoulder in the AHL and is much more assertive. He simply put hasn't found his confidence at the NHL level yet. If he gets a long leash like Stanley/Snerg got and settles I think many will be happy with his game.

I just want the Jets to give him a real shot this year and make a decision on keep or trade.

 

[Daximus]

Yeah, Ville plays with a chip on his shoulder in the AHL and is much more assertive. He simply put hasn't found his confidence at the NHL level yet. If he gets a long leash like Stanley/Snerg got and settles I think many will be happy with his game.

That's essentially what I've been hearing about Kupari from a few Kings fans.

Of course with every prospect looking to break into a solid role there are those that think they are being miscast or misused and those that think they just aren't going to make it or be any better than they currently are.

In the end there is only one way to find out.

 

[BoneDocUK]

Just updating with some arb info:

Thank You - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps

Thank you for the amazing 9 years

www.capfriendly.com

Gabriel Vilardi Contract, Cap Hit, Salary and Stats | Puckpedia

See the latest contract, injury news, and transactions for Gabriel Vilardi including cap hit, AAV, salary, signing bonus, clauses, and agent on PuckPedia.

puckpedia.com

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winni...-among-22-players-electing-salary-arbitration

 

[WolfHouse]

Just updating with some arb info:

Thank You - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps

Thank you for the amazing 9 years

www.capfriendly.com

Gabriel Vilardi Contract, Cap Hit, Salary and Stats | Puckpedia

See the latest contract, injury news, and transactions for Gabriel Vilardi including cap hit, AAV, salary, signing bonus, clauses, and agent on PuckPedia.

puckpedia.com

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winni...-among-22-players-electing-salary-arbitration

Sure hope Chevy isn't playing it safe with the cap like he did with Copp...

Give Vilardi $4-4.5m for a bridge or sign him long-term at $5.5-6m - he's just come out and said he's happy to be in Winnipeg - lock him down and gamble that he's just hitting stride

 

[Flair Hay]

Sure hope Chevy isn't playing it safe with the cap like he did with Copp...

Give Vilardi $4-4.5m for a bridge or sign him long-term at $5.5-6m - he's just come out and said he's happy to be in Winnipeg - lock him down and gamble that he's just hitting stride

Further to your point...we already gambled on him. May as well bet on the guy being what you think he will be

 

[surixon]

Heck it might not be Chevy who is pushing for a bridge, might be Vilardi.

But I'm not sure what will happen with his contract. I'd be going long term myself.

 

[None]

Heck it might not be Chevy who is pushing for a bridge, might be Vilardi.

But I'm not sure what will happen with his contract. I'd be going long term myself.

If he's entirely truthful that his back hasn't bothered him in over a year and he knows that he's getting a bigger role I could see him pushing for a bridge. Players seem to be betting on themselves a lot more now.

 

[Maukkis]

Heck it might not be Chevy who is pushing for a bridge, might be Vilardi.

But I'm not sure what will happen with his contract. I'd be going long term myself.

I'd be fine with both options, because I hate them equally.

Go long-term, you're risking that Vilardi's 19 % shooting percentage from last year was only a mirage. He hasn't had a true, dominant season yet, and the back injuries could still factor into all this at a later date. Will he be a center or a winger? Vem vet...

Go short-term, you're risking another Laine/Dubois scenario with a RFA who gets lots of leverage as he closes in on UFA status. You can be understanding with the position Chevy is in, but a three-peat of problematic RFAs would look so bad for him. Either that, or he could blow up and demand the sun and the moon in two years' time.

A gun to my head, I go long-term (5+ years) and hope that his back holds up. Hopefully Chevy has a better idea about this than I do.

 

[DRW204]

I think the chances of vilardi being under 60 pts is lesser than the chance of him having a big breakout year.

IMO
Team POV - go long term now
Player POV - go short term and get closer to the UFA pay-day with a legit 60+ pt year under your belt.

Kind of like NJD capitalizing early on hughes' extension (NOT saying I'm expecting vilardi to produce like hughes. Just on the timing of signing)

 

[Tom ServoMST3K]

If he's entirely truthful that his back hasn't bothered him in over a year and he knows that he's getting a bigger role I could see him pushing for a bridge. Players seem to be betting on themselves a lot more now.

With cap projections what they are in the next few years, it makes sense.

 

[ps241]

I think the chances of vilardi being under 60 pts is lesser than the chance of him having a big breakout year.

IMO
Team POV - go long term now
Player POV - go short term and get closer to the UFA pay-day with a legit 60+ pt year under your belt.

Kind of like NJD capitalizing early on hughes' extension (NOT saying I'm expecting vilardi to produce like hughes. Just on the timing of signing)

I agree if I were the team I would go long term. Kid had very good pedigree and although it took him a while, he broke out last season. There is one risk for me and that is health only. No matter what we can get 4 or 5 seasons out of the player and that is a very big return for an expiring asset in PLD.

 

[DannyGallivan]

I agree if I were the team I would go long term. Kid had very good pedigree and although it took him a while, he broke out last season. There is one risk for me and that is health only. No matter what we can get 4 or 5 seasons out of the player and that is a very big return for an expiring asset in PLD.

You can’t score if you don’t shoot.

 

[Mooche]

Heck it might not be Chevy who is pushing for a bridge, might be Vilardi.

But I'm not sure what will happen with his contract. I'd be going long term myself.

Exactly what I'm thinking.

Gabe and his representatives realize who his linemates are going to be in the top six.

The only thing that will stand in the way of him putting up strong numbers on the Jets will be health.

Obviously a big concern thus far in his career, but the skill that will be lining up with him in any event will be strong.

 

[DRW204]

2023 salary arbitration hearing dates

Hearing dates will take place between July 20 and August 4.

www.nhlpa.com

July 28
Gabriel Vilardi (Winnipeg Jets)

 

[MelikeJets]

2023 salary arbitration hearing dates

Hearing dates will take place between July 20 and August 4.

www.nhlpa.com

July 28
Gabriel Vilardi (Winnipeg Jets)

I predict a signing this week. $5 mill x2 years

 

[igorulanov]

I think Vilardi is going to be a really good player for the Jets. Maybe his goal song. Vilardi, oh, oh oh.

I'd go with this version instead

 

[kanadalainen]

I'd go with this version instead

Gypsy Kings slay

 

[10Ducky10]

I predict a signing this week. $5 mill x2 years

Way too much for 2 years. Lucky to get 3.5m in arbitration.
I think Chevy goes 2 x 3.25m or 6 x 5.5m if is long term.
Barron likely to get 2 x 1.75m.

 

[BoneDocUK]

Way too much for 2 years. Lucky to get 3.5m in arbitration.
I think Chevy goes 2 x 3.25m or 6 x 5.5m if is long term.
Barron likely to get 2 x 1.75m.

These seem plausible.

Chevy loves to grind the kids, which is a reasonable strategy for a kid like Barron who's just starting to feel his oats, but then we get two relative anchors in Pionk and Schmidt.

By all accounts, and Copp's specifically, arbitration is a road you don't go down lightly. Hoping to see these sorted soon and fairly w/o an arb decision.

As a reminder, this detailed article on the Copp Saga:

But why did it even get to that point? Two years and $2.28 million seems like a very reasonable deal for the 25-year-old forward — no matter which lens you look through. To use Evolving Wild’s frequently cited contract projections, a two-year deal for Copp should have cost Winnipeg $2.20 million per season.

That’s Copp’s eventual arbitration award, nearly on the nose.

To use Winnipeg’s own Adam Lowry as a comparable — a centre with slightly more points per game in his career and a similar reputation for driving play — $2.90 million strikes me as a fair ceiling. A $2.28 million deal for Copp strikes me as entirely reasonable in proportion to his linemate’s same earnings.

For some, the story gets more worrisome. Those who read Craig Custance’s story showing that two-thirds of players who make it to an arbitration hearing get traded within three seasons, it felt like an assurance Copp’s days in Winnipeg are numbered.

It happened to Trouba after all. And if Copp’s good friend followed his arbitration deal through to a trade request and a big-ticket signing with the Rangers, wouldn’t it make sense that Copp would try to follow suit?

Copp says no. In an interview with The Athletic this week, Copp detailed his reasons for choosing arbitration, the agony of feeling “disrespected” during the process, and even some parts of arbitration that flat out made him laugh. For Jets fans, it’s not all roses.

It’s also not something to fear.

What really happened at Andrew Copp’s arbitration hearing — and what comes next for him in Winnipeg

Andrew Copp was hurt and disrespected by the arbitration process with the Jets but won't let it cloud his future.

theathletic.com