Vilardi is “probably doubtful” to participate in rookie camp next week because of a flare-up of a chronic back injury this summer, general manager Rob Blake said at the team’s state-of-the-franchise event Thursday.
“We’re hoping to progress enough for him to step into main camp [on Sept. 14], but it’s going to be on a day-to-day thing,” Blake said.
It’s the latest setback for Vilardi, 19, a talented forward saddled with a back injury since he was drafted 11th in 2017. He was cleared to play for his junior team at the beginning of 2018 and skated in his first Kings development camp this summer.