Jets' Vilardi sidelined, injury unrelated to ear hit

The Winnipeg Jets will be without a key piece for an extended amount of time. 

Head coach, Scott Arniel told reporters on Monday that Gabriel Vilardi is out on a week-to-week basis following an upper-body injury. 

The Kingston, Ont. native was hit in the ear on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres, however, Arniel says the injury is not related. 

Vilardi has made a mark with the Jets with 27 goals and 34 assists in 71 games on the top line with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. 

He is no stranger to injuries after appearing in just 47 games last season because of a separated knee and spleen issues. 

Winnipeg gets back on the ice on Tuesday when Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals come to Canada Life Centre.