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Is Gabriel Vilardi's new deal with the Winnipeg Jets the same old story or a new status quo?

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
NHL

On Wednesday, the Winnipeg Jets signed Gabriel Vilardi to a two-year contract extension worth $3.4375 million per season. 

It's a good value for the Jets. With an AAV of less than $3.5 million, Vilardi has the potential to score many goals, surpassing the typical production of players in that price range. There's a lot to like about that, but there's also a factor that might make Jets fans wince, and unfortunately, it's something they are all too familiar with.

Vilardi is less than a month away from turning 24, and the two-year deal means it will expire one year before he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency. You can see where this is going.

The good news for the Jets is that although he will be arbitration-eligible at the end of this new contract, his qualifying offer will be a high

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