Two front-runners emerge in unexpected Jake Virtanen sweepstakes

In July, former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen took the stand in his sexual assault trial, where he is being accused of a 2017 sexual assault on an 18 year old woman. He pleaded not guilty in the case and maintained that the sexual relations between him and his accuser were entirely consensual. Following a week-long trial and full day of deliberations, the jury found Virtanen not guilty of sexual assault.

He mentioned how he could focus on hockey again and it looks like his next opportunity in the NHL could come with one of the teams in Alberta.

That’s right, the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames have reportedly emerged as front-runners to sign Virtanen on a professional try-out deal (PTO). Bob Stauffer, Oilers TV and radio commentator and host of Oilers Now, reported how Virtanen has received interest from both teams in Alberta on a professional try-out deal (PTO).

“It’ll be something to watch for. I don’t know if it’s going to be Edmonton — it could be Calgary — but (Virtanen)’s representative is (agent) Kevin Epp, and I do believe there’s a possibility it could be one of the two Alberta teams,” Stauffer explained.

“It could be a Battle of Alberta situation.”

Stauffer also mentioned how the Washington Capitals could be interested.

This is not the first time we’ve heard that the Oilers were interested in Virtanen. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug got the impression that the Oilers have extended a PTO to Virtanen and are awaiting a response from his camp.

Virtanen played six seasons with the Canucks until he was placed on leave by the club in May 2021 once the allegations emerged. His contract was bought out later that year.

So far in his career in the NHL, Virtanen posted 55 goals and 100 points in a total of 317 games. Last season in the KHL with Moscow Spartak, he put up nine goals and 16 points in 36 contests.

And now he might get one last shot to prove he can play in the NHL.