Vancouver Canucks‘ 1st round pick in the 2014 draft (#6 overall) rookie right wing Jake Virtanen(18) excelled in three years with Calgary Hitmen and decided to turn pro at the conclusion of the 2014/2015 season signing an ato with affiliate Utica Comets.
In 10 AHL playoff games he had one assist with a +2 rating that ended in the Calder Cup Finals.
The 19-year old is still eligible to play another campaign in juniors but made the parent clubs roster out of training camp and has appeared in his first four NHL games registering no points with a +1 plus/minus.
He’s skated an average of 10 shifts and around 9 minutes so far per contest.
At 6’1″ 208 lbs. he’s definitely got power forward size but seems to be still searching for his spots on the ice.
If he doesn’t pick up steam quickly, he may be returned for a final season of WHL to find the mojo that made him such a high selection.