Natural centre Gabriel Vilardi growing into role on wing with Spitfires
WINDSOR, Ont. — Windsor Spitfires coach Rocky Thompson is using forward Gabriel Vilardi as much as possible, but the top prospect had to be willing to adapt to make it happen.
The 17-year-old Vilardi has been playing wing for large parts of the 2016-17 season, including at the Memorial Cup. The switch was an easy solution for Thompson because of Windsor’s depth down the middle, and the fact a hole opened up when last season’s leading scorer Christian Fischer moved on to the Arizona Coyotes organization.
The payoff for the natural centre has been more ice time in front of scouts ahead of the NHL Draft.
“I wanted him in our top six,” said Thompson. “He arguably plays the most minutes of our forwards because he also plays both special teams. He’s an engine for us, any time he’s on the ice possession goes up.