While it appeared as though the Edmonton Oilers had moved on from Jake Virtanen, that isn’t the case. The team has announced that the former Vancouver Canucks forward will join them in training camp on a professional tryout, along with Jason Demers, whose PTO was reported previously.
Virtanen, 26, is actually skating with the group today, according to Mark Spector of Sportsnet.
Selected sixth overall in 2014, Virtanen had a tumultuous career with the Canucks, scoring 55 goals in 317 games, and never turning into the top-line power forward that they had hoped for. His play on the ice, however, was completely overshadowed in 2021 when he was placed on leave from the Canucks after “concerning allegations” were made regarding a sexual assault that allegedly took place in 2017.
His contract was eventually bought out after the Canucks tried to trade him, and following a civil lawsuit filed last summer, he signed in the KHL. Earlier this year, the Vancouver Police Department charged Virtanen with sexual assault, and he underwent a trial this summer.
On July 26, a jury found Virtanen not guilty after a week-long trial.
He’ll now receive another chance in the NHL, at least for the preseason. His play in the KHL didn’t really deserve it – Virtanen had nine goals and 16 points in 36 games – but there have been tantalizing flashes of upside in the past for the former Calgary Hitmen star. The Oilers will give him an opportunity to show that skill, though a PTO does not guarantee an NHL contract of any sort.
Did the Canucks apologize to Virtanen yet? Is Virtanen going to sue the Canucks?
Sue for what? They paid him.
Virtanen should be apologizing to the Canucks for being a massive disappointment both as a hockey player and as a human being.
As a human being? I thought he was found NOT guilty…?
Oilers gonna Oiler
Fire Holland.
Yeah, they finished final 4 last yr, but he should be fired for offering a PTO. Brilliant.
Leafs offer Dubas for Holland straight up
people who are supporting Virtanen do you feel same way about hockey canada issues. Something happened with Virtanen or he would not have been charged. I understand sadly many in the world not just hockey still think just boys being boys. the girl did something to cause this. Until it is their daughter.
Yeah, there’s never been a female who drubbed you some completely false accusations before.
Again, wasn’t he found NOT guilty?
I am disgusted by the Hockey Canada scandal and what happened there but man I really don’t want to live in a world where your guilty as soon as someone accuses you. Too many crazy people lying about stuff for crazy reasons to just believe everyone. The man had his day in court, was found not guilty. Do you want him to just end his life???
He was charged so he is guilty of something? Where do you come up with this stuff? Look at the sordid charges made against the Duke lacrosse team in 2008 and Long Beach football player Brian Banks in 2003. Then come back and babble that they must have done something because they were charged.
reality we know most sports fans only care about winning. They would support signing anyone that can help them win. the signing got people most upset recently was michael vick. Not men beating women. sports is full of players who have been found guilty of this.
remember ray rice lost his career because there was video showing him knocking his wife out cold. . Otherwise he was suspended for two games . Every team would have signed him in a second.