Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi is making his return from injury against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night.

Vilardi, 24, hasn't played since Oct. 17 when he suffered a sprained MCL in a game against the Los Angeles Kings.

The incident occurred when Vilardi was hit along the boards by Kings forward Blake Lizotte. On Wednesday, Vilardi took aim at his ex-teammate over the injury.

"It was a play that doesn't need to happen," Vilardi said. "I’ve played with him a lot. He’s done a lot of little things like that. It’s stuff that you guys say it was an awkward fall; it wasn’t an awkward fall. It’s someone pushing your feet out from the back, when he gets caught under me and then he tackles me. It’s that simple."

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Head coach Rick Bowness said ahead of Thursday's matchup that the decision to play Vilardi would be left up to the forward himself: "He has to make sure he feels he’s ready to go."

The Kingston, Ont., native had a breakout season in 2022-23, notching 23 goals and 41 points in 63 games.

He was selected 11th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by the Kings.

Jets' Vilardi making return from injury vs. Oilers

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