One of the Winnipeg Jets` key offensive players is nearing his return.
Gabriel Vilardi, sidelined by an upper-body injury, participated in warmups but was ruled out for Sunday`s Game 4 versus the Blues. Coach Scott Arniel had previously stated Vilardi would be a game-time decision on Saturday.
Vilardi`s last game was on March 23 against Buffalo, and he was initially expected to miss time on a week-to-week basis. The 25-year-old had a career-best season, scoring 27 goals and adding 34 assists for 61 points in 71 appearances.
The forward rejoined practice initially in a non-contact capacity on Monday, before transitioning to a regular jersey on Saturday.
On the defensive end, Hadyn Fleury is replacing Logan Stanley in the lineup.
Game 4 is scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET/noon CT start time, airing on Sportsnet and Sportsnet +. The series will return to Winnipeg for Game 5 on Wednesday, with puck drop at 9:30 p.m ET/8:30 p.m. CT.
Tristan Blackwood