Jake Virtanen aiming for return to NHL; 3-4 teams interested
Jake Virtanen was a highly touted prospect before and after being selected sixth overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
The forward never lived up to his star potential however, as he collected just 55 goals and 45 assists in 317 games, before his NHL career was all but ended abruptly.
In January of this year, the 26-year-old was charged with sexual assault following an investigation by the Vancouver Police Department. The incident being investigated occurred on September 26th, 2017.
On July 25th, 2021, Virtanen was placed on unconditional waivers by the Canucks for the purpose of a buyout from the remaining year of his contract. Subsequently, Virtanen signed a one year deal with Spartak Moscow of the KHL.
The trial began on July 18th, at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver, and on July 26th, Virtanen was found not guilty by a jury.
Now that Virtanen was found not guilty, it's reported that the he's aiming a return to the NHL, and teams are interested.
Vancouver sports radio host, Rick Dhaliwal, reported that 3-4 teams are interested in the UFA, the Edmonton Oilers being the only team named.
| POLL | ||
Does Jake Virtanen deserve another chance in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 24 | 85.7 % |
| No | 4 | 14.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
