Canada's Vilardi ruled out of WJHC

After missing practice on Tuesday, Canada forward Gabriel Vilardi has been ruled out for the fast-approaching World Junior Hockey Championship, according to TSN's Mark Masters.

Vilardi has had issues with his back that have hampered his short career with the Los Angeles Kings. He's only played four games this season with the AHL's Ontario Reign.

Vilardi was the 11th overall selection in the 2017 NHL Draft after posting 61 points in 49 games with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires.

Canada's tournament begins Dec. 26 in Vancouver, British Columbia against Denmark.