Virtanen inks new deal
It's been well documented that Jake Virtanen has not had a great past 3 years or so.
The 2014 Canucks 6th Overall Pick could never quite live up to the hulking potential he showed as a dominant junior player & even at times during his 6 Season tenure with the Canucks.
Unfortunately for Virtanen, it would be off ice troubles that cost him his NHL career, at least for the time being, after big accused of sexual assault in 2020. The charge came in relation to an alleged incident in September 2017.
Ultimately the case was tried in front of Supreme Court in Vancouver & Virtanen was found not guilty. For more on those final proceedings you can check out CTV's Article on the closing day.
Virtanen spent the majority of the time during his trial playing overseas in Russia for HC Spartak Moscow in the KHL.
Even after being exonerated of any wrong doing, it wasn't just smooth sailing for the BC Boy to walk back into an NHL dressing room, as an uninspiring preseason on a PTO with the Oilers meant he was once again on the way out of the NHL.
He now finds himself back in Europe, signing a 2 Year Deal with EHC Visp of the Switzerland Tier 2 League.
This has to be an attempt to keep his game sharp with intention to return to an NHL lineup at some point, being that he's only 26 years old with his potential prime ahead of him.
Where do you think Jake's story ends?
| POLL | ||
What happens with Jake Virtanen | ||
| Plays this contract out & retires | 25 | 21.7 % |
| Resigns in Europe | 50 | 43.5 % |
| Plays in the NHL in 2 years | 40 | 34.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
