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Kings’ first-round pick Vilardi to miss training camp with back sprain

2017 NHL Draft - Portraits

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Gabriel Vilardi poses for a portrait after being selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings during the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

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Gabriel Vilardi will be sidelined for both L.A. Kings rookie camp and training camp due to a back sprain -- an injury that flared up during the summer, said general manager Rob Blake in a statement.

The team announced the injury Thursday, one day before the start of rookie camp.

The Kings stated that Vilardi will not take part in on-ice activities, and while he has started the rehabilitation process, there is no timetable right now for his return.

After scoring 29 goals and 61 points with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires and being touted as a skilled two-way center, Vilardi slipped somewhat down the board before he was selected 11th overall by the Kings in June’s NHL Entry Draft.