Gabriel Vilardi is the Winnipeg Jets team candidate for the NHL's annual King Clancy Memorial Trophy.
The award is given to the player who “best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a remarkable humanitarian contribution to his community.”
Vilardi has spoken openly about her mental health journey and her personal struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, with the goal of helping others facing similar challenges.
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The 26-year-old is having a career year with personal bests in games played, goals, assists and points. In his third season with the Jets, Vilardi totaled 29 goals and 35 assists in 78 games.
Team nominees are chosen by their respective NHL clubs.
Kris King in 1996 is the only Jets player to win this award since it was first presented in 1988. Captain Adam Lowry was nominated by the Jets last season.
The winner receives a $25,000 donation to the charity of their choice.
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