Gabriel Vilardi Bio
Gabriel Vilardi is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on August 16, 1999, in Kingston, Ontario, Vilardi was selected eleventh overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Known for his offensive skills, hockey sense, and versatility as both a center and winger, he has built a steady presence in the NHL since beginning his professional career in 2018.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 203 pounds, Vilardi brings size and skill to the Jets lineup. After several seasons developing through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL), he emerged as a reliable top-six forward. His journey from a highly regarded junior prospect to a full-time NHL player reflects both patience and perseverance through early injury setbacks.
Early Life and Background
Gabriel Vilardi was born on August 16, 1999, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a close-knit family of Italian heritage, raised by his parents Natale Vilardi and Giovanna Siviglia. His parents had moved to Canada from Reggio Calabria, Italy, before settling in Kingston, where the family became part of the local community.
Vilardi developed an early passion for hockey, influenced heavily by his older brother Francesco, who later played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and three seasons for the Queen’s University hockey team. Growing up in Kingston, Vilardi had easy access to local rinks and competitive minor hockey programs, which helped shape his foundational skills. His size and offensive creativity quickly made him stand out among his peers.
By his mid-teens, Vilardi had become one of the most talked-about young players in Canada. His combination of vision, passing ability, and finishing touch drew attention from scouts across the Ontario Hockey League, setting the stage for a major step in his development path.
Path to Hockey
Vilardi’s rise through the junior ranks began when he was selected first overall in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection by the Windsor Spitfires. Although he was a natural center, he primarily played as a winger during his time in Windsor, adjusting to different roles while continuing to produce offensively. His skill set and hockey IQ made him one of the top prospects in his draft class.
Heading into the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, NHL Central Scouting ranked Vilardi as the No. 4 North American skater. Craig Button of TSN described him as a big and strong center with significant offensive upside. On January 1, 2018, Vilardi was traded along with Sean Day to the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for Cody Morgan and six draft picks, allowing him to finish his OHL career closer to home.
On March 1, 2018, Vilardi signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings. However, a chronic back issue delayed his professional debut with the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ AHL affiliate, until November 29, 2018. He earned his first professional point three days later against the Tucson Roadrunners. In December 2018, the Kings loaned him to Team Canada for the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Gabriel Vilardi Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Vilardi’s early professional years were shaped by recovery and gradual adjustment. After overcoming his back injury, he found a more consistent role with the Ontario Reign during the 2019–20 season, playing 32 games and recording 9 goals and 16 assists for 25 points. His production in the AHL demonstrated that he remained a high-upside offensive player despite lost development time.
On February 20, 2020, Vilardi was recalled by the Los Angeles Kings and made his NHL debut that same night against the Florida Panthers. In a memorable first shift, he fired a wrist shot past goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky just six seconds in, setting an NHL record for the fastest first career goal in league history. He also added an assist later in the game, marking an outstanding NHL introduction.
Los Angeles Kings Breakthrough (2020–2023)
Following his debut, Vilardi continued to develop within the Kings organization, splitting time between the NHL and AHL as he built strength and consistency. As a restricted free agent, he signed a one-year, $825,000 contract extension with Los Angeles on July 23, 2022, signaling the team’s continued belief in his potential as a top-six forward.
Although injuries occasionally interrupted his progress, Vilardi showed flashes of the skill that made him a top draft pick. His combination of playmaking, shot accuracy, and poise with the puck hinted at the impact he could deliver with a full season of NHL opportunity.
Winnipeg Jets Era (2023–Present)
On June 27, 2023, Vilardi was traded by the Los Angeles Kings, along with Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, and a 2024 second-round draft pick, to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Pierre-Luc Dubois. The trade marked a fresh start for Vilardi in a new organization known for its offensive depth and fast-paced system.
In Winnipeg, Vilardi quickly became an important contributor. On April 4, 2024, he scored his first career NHL hat trick in a 5-2 Jets win over the visiting Calgary Flames, a milestone that highlighted his scoring ability at the highest level. On July 18, 2025, Vilardi signed a six-year, $45 million contract to remain with the Jets, committing his future to the franchise through 2031.
Driving Style and Strengths
Vilardi is recognized for his strong puck-handling, vision, and shooting accuracy. Comfortable playing both center and wing, he offers lineup flexibility and a reliable two-way presence. His size allows him to win board battles and protect the puck along the walls, while his offensive instincts make him a threat in the attacking zone.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Vilardi’s most notable achievements is scoring on his first NHL shot six seconds into his debut shift, an NHL record. He has also represented Canada at the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and recorded his first NHL hat trick in 2024. His six-year contract extension with the Jets in 2025 stands as a major career milestone.
Gabriel Vilardi Career Wins
Gabriel Vilardi’s career is still in its ascending phase, and he has steadily built a résumé of offensive contributions since joining the NHL. From his record-setting debut goal to his first hat trick with the Winnipeg Jets, he has produced memorable moments at every level.
NHL Highlights
Vilardi has contributed regularly for the Winnipeg Jets since being acquired in 2023, including his first NHL hat trick on April 4, 2024, against the Calgary Flames. His offensive consistency has made him a trusted forward within the Jets’ lineup.
Junior and International Performances
Before turning professional, Vilardi excelled with the Windsor Spitfires and Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL, where his playmaking and scoring drew national attention. He also represented Canada at the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, gaining valuable international experience early in his career.
Gabriel Vilardi Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Gabriel Vilardi was born to Italian parents Natale Vilardi and Giovanna Siviglia, who moved from Reggio Calabria, Italy, to Kingston, Ontario. Hockey has long been part of the family’s identity, with his older brother Francesco playing three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and three seasons for the Queen’s University hockey team.
Personal Life
Vilardi maintains strong ties to his Kingston roots and his Italian heritage. He continues to be recognized for his maturity, work ethic, and family values, which have guided him throughout his professional hockey journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks an important chapter for Gabriel Vilardi and the Winnipeg Jets. Following his six-year, $45 million contract extension signed on July 18, 2025, Vilardi enters the season as a key piece of the Jets’ offensive core. His combination of size, skill, and experience positions him to play a central role in the team’s pursuit of a deep playoff run.
Vilardi’s chemistry with linemates and his ability to contribute in all situations make him a valuable asset for Winnipeg. The Jets are expected to rely on his scoring touch and playmaking as they compete in the competitive Central Division. With a stable contract and a clear role, Vilardi has the platform to deliver his most productive NHL season yet.
As the season unfolds, Vilardi’s continued development will be central to the Jets’ ambitions. His record-setting debut, first hat trick, and steady progression highlight a player ready to establish himself among the NHL’s most reliable young forwards.
