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Photo Credit: Mark Humphrey/AP
LA Kings forward Gabriel Vilardi has had quite the road to the NHL. After a successful career in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires and Kingston Frontanacs, he turned pro. He then found himself with injury issues.
After his final season in Windsor, the Kings drafted Vilardi 11th overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The Kings knew his potential and saw him as a future leader. After playing the next season with Kingston, he made his pro debut with the AHL’s Ontario Reign, picking up one assist in four games. His injuries became more frequent as his chronic back problems would not let him stay on the ice consistently. Vilardi got the chance to make some noise in the 2019-20 season, scoring 25 points in 32 games for the Reign. That is when he began to take off and play his game. Although he struggled in his early days in the NHL, that is all in the past.
Vilardi had an excellent 2022-23 training camp for the Kings and earned a spot on the opening night roster. This season, he already has seven points in five games. For his career, he has 44 points in 94 NHL games.
He moved from center to wing last season upon his send-down to the AHL, and he has flourished in his new role. With the Reign in 2021-22, Vilardi had 38 points in 39 games. This move has made Vilardi more focused, excited, and motivated to play hockey.
One thing about Vilardi’s game is he is doing the little things right to create offensive chances. He is doing everything asked and more to prove he belongs. Center Quinton Byfield is also a key piece in Vilardi’s turnaround, as Byfield is also playing to his strengths. The duo has been dangerous in the offensive zone early in the season.
After so many issues with his back, Vilardi looks ready to make an impact this year. He is still young with immense offensive potential. Vilardi has worked incredibly hard to get to this point and is one of the young players the LA Kings will look to for offense as the Kings hope to build off of last season’s playoff berth.