LATEST | Controversial Vancouver Canucks first-rounder signs in Europe
Former Vancouver Canucks first-round pick Jake Virtanen is remaining in Europe for at least one more season.
Virtanen has signed a one-year contract extension with the Fischtown Penguins, who play in Germany's top division, the DEL.
"It didn't take me a second to think about my decision to go with the Penguins. I know what those responsible, but also a large part of the fan community had to put up with after my commitment last year. Now it's my turn to give a "pay back". Hopefully the season will start soon!" Virtanen said.
Virtanen, 26, had his contract bought out by the Vancouver Canucks in 2021 after allegations of sexual assault circulated. Formal charges were pressed against Virtanen in January and in July, he was found not guilty by a jury in Vancouver.
He then went on to sign a professional tryout contract with the Edmonton Oilers, but was released near the end of training camp in the Fall of 2022. Virtanen decided to make the jump back overseas and signed in Switzerland's second division, but after just a few months with EHC Visp, he was released and signed with Fischtown for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
In 21 games with EHC Visp, Virtanen had 25 points. The Langley native's time with Fischtown was short, appearing in eight regular season games and eight playoff games, putting up four points in total, but he'll look to build on that next season and help the Penguins win their first DEL title.
Source: DEL
| POLL | ||
JUIN 7 | 341 ANSWERS LATEST | Controversial Vancouver Canucks first-rounder signs in Europe Did the Canucks make the right choice with selecting Virtanen sixth overall in 2014? | ||
| Yes | 36 | 10.6 % |
| No, better prospects were available | 255 | 74.8 % |
| Unsure | 30 | 8.8 % |
| See Results | 20 | 5.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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