This, from CanucksArmy .....
But there are a few outstanding players of note the Oilers will need to make decisions on: Jake Virtanen and Jason Demers.
Virtanen came into camp shrouded in controversy and seemed to be motivated to turn the page on a checkered past — on and off the ice — and return to the NHL a new player. He wanted to prove his ability as a power forward as someone who once looked like he could become the premier player at the position.
Instead, Virtanen looks more destined for a second-tier pro league in Europe than he does NHL ice.
It’s not for lack of chances, either.
Last night, he drew in for his third game of the preseason playing 15:29 in all situations that included 3:11 on the powerplay. He registered just one shot on goal, and couldn’t help break up the Flames’ cycle on their third goal of the game. Even while getting the second most powerplay time of any forward in that game, I can’t recall one positive thing he did on the ice. This isn't new either.
Across his three games, Virtanen has played 12:15 on the powerplay generating two shots on goal and one scoring chance. He’s spent zero time on the penalty kill and in his 30:06 of even-strength time, he’s taken one shot on goal and laid only three hits. At 5×5, the Oilers have controlled 40 percent of the shot attempts, 50 percent of the goals scored (1-1), 42.95 percent of the expected goal share and just 41.67 percent of the scoring chances. Virtanen has an even PDO of 100, suggesting what you see is what you get.
Nothing about what he’s brought to the table shows me that A), he’s better than any of the other numerous players vying for bottom-six minutes, or that he’s any different of a player on the ice now than when he was with the Vancouver Canucks.
With a professional career in the NHL on the line, Virtanen looks none-too-interested in separating himself from what’s a tight pack in Edmonton. I don’t see him earning a contract in Edmonton.