The Winnipeg Jets might receive a significant boost as they aim to extend their series lead over the St. Louis Blues.
Forward Gabriel Vilardi is a game-time decision for Game 4 against the Blues, the team announced after Saturday`s practice. He has been sidelined for the past month due to injury.
Vilardi returned to practice on Monday but participated in Saturday`s session wearing a standard jersey instead of a non-contact one for the first time, marking a key step in his recovery.
The 25-year-old forward has been recovering from an upper-body injury suffered on March 23, which initially put him on a week-to-week timeline.
Despite missing the final part of the regular season, Vilardi had a productive second year with the Jets, recording 27 goals and 34 assists in 71 games.
The Jets currently hold a 2-1 series advantage and will look to build on it in Game 4, scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET (noon CT).
Tristan Blackwood