Former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen, who was taken 6th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, has signed a new deal in Slovakia with HK Dukla Michalovce.
The Vancouver Canucks wanted forward Jake Virtanen to be difference maker for them when they took him with the 6th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, but he never realized the potential he showed in the WHL when he scored 41 goals for the Calgary Hitmen.
He only appeared in a total of 317 NHL games and had 100 points (55G, 45A) and eventually was placed on leave in May of 2021 when he faced legal allegations.
After playing multiple years overseas, he's found his next contract, signing with HK Dukla Michalovce in Slovakia.
He's also played for Spartak Moscow in the KHL, EHC Visp of the Swiss League, along with the Fischtown Pinguins and the Iserlohn Roosters of the DEL.
Before being taken by the Canucks in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Virtanen was a highly regarded prospect who was projected to be a 'dynamic scoring winger' by TSN's Craig Button.
Jake has undeniable skill. Excellent skater who has speed, quickness and power. Can beat defenders with his skating and when he gets an advantage, his size makes it almost impossible for a defender to get back on equal footing. Very strong shot and can beat goaltenders from out but also has the quickness in his hands to score in tight. Has the potential to be a dynamic scoring winger.
Former Canucks coach Travis Green once called out Jake Virtanen
Before Virtanen was placed on leave, he would often have a hard time staying in coach Travis Green's lineup and was routinely designated a healthy scratch. Green also publicly called out Virtanen's commitment to the club in Training Camp.
There's certain expectations that he wanted to reach and I wanted him to reach. We both agreed that there were goals that had to be met and that if he didn't reach them he probably wouldn't be with the first two groups on the first day of camp. There's nothing more than that.
