Jets Sign RFA Forward to Massive Extension

As a result, the two sides will avoid arbitration after Vilardi filed for it earlier this month. The Jets were also able to avoid arbitration with forward Morgan Barron, though defenseman Dylan Samberg still needs to be signed.

Vilardi, 25, is coming off easily the best season of his young career, scoring 27 goals and 61 points for the Presidents' Trophy-winning Jets. He finished third on the team in goals behind Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, and his 12 power-play goals led the team.

Vilardi also had one goal and four points in nine playoff games.

Just ahead of his 26th birthday next month, Vilardi now looks like he'll be part of the Jets' future for years to come.

The Kingston, Ontario, native came to Winnipeg as part of the trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Los Angeles Kings. He has 90 goals and 175 points in 270 NHL games with the Jets and Kings.

After winning the Presidents' Trophy as the top team in the regular season, the Jets defeated the St. Louis Blues in a hard-fought series, but were ousted by the Dallas Stars in the second round. Many of the issues that plagued them in past postseasons, such as their struggles on the road and Connor Hellebuyck's performance in net, doomed them this time around too.

As they turn the page to next season, Vilardi and the Jets have much work to do.