NHL
The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed forward Jake Virtanen to a two-year contract worth $1.25 million per season. His contract is worth $2.5 million dollars. The Abbotsford BC native played a career-high 75 games last season and recorded 10 goals and 10 assists. He achieved career highs in goals, assists, points and penalty minutes with 46. He led the Canucks in hits with 155 while his 46 penalty minutes was fourth highest on the team.
WELCOME BACK: #Canucks re-sign @Jake_Virtanen to a two-year deal. https://t.co/cK5n5DMZvN
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) July 25, 2018
Virtanen was becoming a restricted free agent and needed a new contract. Fans were waiting anxiously on when Virtanen’s new deal was going to be announced and how much the term and how much money. Yesterday, the Canucks finally announced Virtanen’s new contract.
We’re pleased to sign Jake to an extension,” said General Manager Jim Benning. “He adds physical presence and speed to our line-up and can help create offensive chances when going hard to the net. We look forward to seeing Jake take the next step in his game and consistently contribute to the team’s success.”
"@Jake_Virtanen adds physical presence and speed to our line-up and can help create offensive chances when going hard to the net," said GM Jim Benning. "We look forward to seeing Jake take the next step in his game and consistently contribute to the team's success." pic.twitter.com/1vHlKWQmCr
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) July 25, 2018
Virtanen’s development has been a hot topic in Vancouver ever since the Canucks drafted him with the sixth overall pick in 2014. He has been up and down the Canucks organization and has at times struggled to adjust to the pro game. However, Virtanen has shown flashes of brilliance at times. He has made some big hits and has been the Canucks fastest skater. It seems like he was flying by defenders. His shot is deadly as well but he still needs to work on his finish and of course going to the net.
With the Canucks passing on guys like William Nylander and Nikolaj Ehlers in the 2014 Entry Draft, some fans seem that Virtanen doesn’t have the capabilities of an NHL player and Benning made a mistake drafting him.
However, with this new contract, Virtanen has time to prove himself and work on his game. He has been working with Youtuber Pavel Barber on his game this summer.
In 140 NHL games, Virtanen has scored 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points.
.@Jake_Virtanen "I know I can score goals, I just have to go out there and do it. Get greasy. It doesn’t matter how the puck goes in as long as it goes in. Also being a good defensive player helps. I can use my speed to beat defensemen."
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) July 25, 2018
Two years and 1.25 million per for Jake Virtanen.
It’s show me time for the former 2014 sixth overall pick. #Canucks
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) July 25, 2018
"@Jake_Virtanen adds physical presence and speed to our line-up and can help create offensive chances when going hard to the net," said GM Jim Benning. "We look forward to seeing Jake take the next step in his game and consistently contribute to the team's success." pic.twitter.com/1vHlKWQmCr
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) July 25, 2018
