Winnipeg Jets lose star forward indefinitely to medical condition

For the last seven games, the Winnipeg Hets have been without their emerging star forward, Gabriel Vilardi. Today, head coach Rick Bowness revealed that Vilardi has been diagnosed with an enlarged spleen, and will be out indefinitely.

Vilardi went to the Winnipeg Jets in the trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to Los Angeles, and Vilardi has arguably become the best player in that trade. He's been a revelation with the Jets this year, scoring 16 goals and 30 points in 38 games this year, just 11 points shy of his career high. Unfortunately, this condition could require surgery, and it's possible he could miss the rest of the season.

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone is currently out with a lacerated spleen, for which he's expected to miss the rest of the season, but return in time for the playoffs.



Losing Vilardi for the rest of the season and potentially some of the playoffs will certainly impact the Jets as a massive loss to their centre depth. Hopefully their trade deadline acquisition in Tyler Toffoli can replace his production and keep the team's momentum going heading into the playoffs.