After being selected sixth overall in the 2014 NHL draft, Vancouver Canucks winger Jake Virtanen has often been the scapegoat for the team’s issues.
Many fans have lamented his apparent lack of work ethic, which has led Virtanen to show up to multiple training camps out of shape. The most frustrating part is that the 24-year-old has all the physical tools to be a unique power forward in the league with his size, strength, and speed.
Due to his underwhelming play in recent seasons, Virtanen has often been mentioned on the trade rumour mill, and this appears to be the case once again.
Chris Johnston - I think Vancouver is potentially trying to free up cap-space with a Jake Virtanen deal.
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) February 17, 2021
In previous years, whispers of a potential Virtanen deal have often centred around the idea of giving him a “fresh start.” However, it’s now tied with the team’s salary cap issues as well.
Virtanen signed a two-year deal this past offseason with an annual average value of $2.55 million. Unfortunately, his play has disappointed, as the winger has only registered one goal this season in 16 games played.
Moreover, Virtanen has been a healthy scratch multiple times, and I don’t think anyone will disagree when I say that it isn’t ideal for a player making $2.55 million to be sitting in the press box.
The most worrying aspect of Virtanen’s contract is the fact that the deal is backloaded, as he’s slated to make $3.4 million in salary next season. This means that the Canucks’ qualifying offer must be at least $3.4 million once he’s due for a new contract, which will be the case in the summer of 2022.
It’s hard to see a scenario in which Virtanen will be able to live up to a contract that rich, especially considering he’s not even playing at the standard that his current deal entails.
Right now, the winger is probably seen as a negative asset due to his bloated contract, which means that the Canucks might need to add an asset to trade him. However, the team can’t afford to do that since Vancouver doesn’t have a surplus of prospects or picks to move, which is why Virtanen will likely stay put for the time being.
What do you think, Canucks fans? How should the team address the Virtanen situation? Let us know in the comments below!