"Virtanen will hit 20 plus goals", he hasn't even come close to that. How is that any different that saying Gusev has "potential". I highly doubt Virtanen puts up 82 points in 62 games in the KHL. We need to stop overvalueing our players. In order to get a potentially top end player you need to give up something that has some value, especially within our own division. Unfortunately Ballard, Raymond and a 4th isn't gonna get it done here.
I like Virtanen ALOT, and i do hope he breaks out but unfortunately i feel like him breaking out is 25 goals and 40 points. Gusev will put at least that up next year no problem and has speed and skill to burn. We need high end skill players to get the most out of Petteron, Boeser, and Horvat and unfortunately that will never be Virtanen. The traits that Virtanen does well , speed/shot are easily replaced. High end puck skills and hockey IQ are not.
He may not pan out, there is always that risk with players coming from other leagues but there is also alot of risk in assuming that Virtanen is going to break out next year...