Winnipeg Jets winger Gabriel Vilardi practicing in a regular uniform

Just over a month ago Jets winger Gabriel Vilardi was involved in front of the Sabres net in a game in Winnipeg which saw him get his feet taken out and he landed awkwardly on the ice. The next day head coach Scott Arniel labelled it  a “freak accident” which would keep him out of the lineup “week-to-week”.

11 days ago he was back on the ice skating at the hockey for all centre as he continued to work his way back into the lineup. Then three days back he put on the non-contact jersey and joined his teammates for his first skate.

In total he missed the last 13 regular season games and the first three playoff games.

The Jets held an optional on Tuesday and afterwards Scott Arniel was asked if Vilardi could be a player for game 3. He indicated:

“Maybe. We’ll see that colour that jersey is tomorrow. Full practice tomorrow. You coming?”

We came to practice the next day and he remained in a yellow, non-contact uniform.

But finally today with his team having lost game 3 he is in a regular uniform as per the assembled media in St. Louis ahead of game 4 on Sunday.

Based on lines rushes, as per Mitchell Clinton, Vilardi not a part of them so seems likely he’ll play game 5.