If you watch Willie's exit presser you will glean some interesting comments / insight on both Virtanen and McCann - nothing new but clearly shows they were both cocky and immature.
Willie said something to the effect of 'they (JV/JM) likely didn't think I got through to them", then went on to say some players aren't "Ready to learn, Boeser is ready to learn"
So what that says is JV's issue is likely maturity, thinking he was the man and had 'made it' like many here said, and too many buddies pumping his tires making him think he was a celeb/star already and should be hanging with Bieber the day before a game.
Moving him to Utica was clearly a good move and has apparently been a bit of a shot to his oversized ego, enough to likely reign it in now. Not to mention the fact that competition on the wings in the top 6 is not heated with Baer/Granny/Goldy/Boeser clearly showing they are legit (or can be in Goldy/Boeser's case) top 6 players, leaving no real holes in those spots (and lets not forget Dahlen).
Green has stated he's learning, that was Willie's issue with him -some players are about skills, some about hockey IQ, combination thereof and some also have issues of maturity at a young age (as many do at that age). If his biggest issue was being willing to learn, and he's showing he's learning, maybe its time to be a bit patient.