On February 29th, the Winnipeg Jets encountered a setback when Gabriel Vilardi sustained an injury during their game against the Dallas Stars. However, Vilardi made a triumphant return to the ice, reclaiming his spot on the top line alongside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor after a month-long absence. His comeback, after missing 15 games, signaled his readiness to rejoin the team and provided a significant boost to Winnipeg’s lineup following the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.
A clear indication of Vilardi’s readiness was his availability for media interviews after the team’s practice. During the Q&A session, he recounted the events of the night in Dallas when he got injured, sharing a candid exchange he had with coach Rick Bowness during the second intermission. Vilardi’s honesty was evident as he acknowledged his inability to perform at full capacity.
“There was no point in me being out there. I knew I couldn’t give the team my all.”
Gabriel Vilardi’s statement to the media on March 29th, 2024, reflects his straightforward assessment of his condition and his commitment to returning to top form for the team.
Bowness responded to Vilardi’s plea for guidance with a straightforward and decisive affirmation, indicating that Vilardi should take a seat on the bench for the remainder of the game.
Upon returning to Winnipeg, Vilardi not only grappled with the challenges of his injury but also discovered an enlarged spleen. Despite undergoing medical examination, the cause of this condition remained elusive, leading Vilardi to express his frustration.
“I couldn’t figure it out. I didn’t receive an answer on that, and I don’t think I ever will regarding why it became so enlarged.”
Now, as Vilardi readjusts to the demands of NHL competition, he recognizes the importance of patience. A period of around two to two and a half weeks away from the ice and gym resulted in inactivity, but Vilardi emphasizes that he has diligently worked to regain his form, pushing himself in recent days. With tomorrow’s matchup against the Senators looming, Vilardi confirms his readiness to return to the ice, eager to contribute to his team’s efforts to end a five-game losing streak.
The Winnipeg Jets are scheduled to take on the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, March 30th, at the Canada Life Centre, with Gabriel Vilardi returning to the lineup. The game is set to begin at 6:00 pm CST.
