No need to be rude sir.
His shoulder injury impeded his development IMO. When I saw him play live in his draft year he was the best player on the ice hands down. His shot and release was unbelievable. One of the best I've seen at the Jr level. D-men crumbled in his presence and he electrified the crowd. Maybe it was just a really good game that I happen to catch, IDK. Regardless, his potential was there. When we drafted him I was excited because of the impression he left with me.
We all talk about how the Oilers ruined their young stars by pushing them into roles they weren't ready to assume, while the exact same thing unfolded before our eyes with Jake Virtanen.
He should have been handled as a top 6 or nothing kinda guy. I don't like how he was forced into a checking role before he even experienced the AHL. People forget that this guy was drafted 6th OA because of his elite offensive talent. His offensive ability should have been the focus, not his physicality.
Unfortunately, most players don't recover from this type of downtrend. Could he become a serviceable bottom 6 guy? Sure, but that's not what we should expect from a guy who had such raw talent and the potential to be selected 6th overall.
I hope he recovers and becomes that player I saw a few years ago, but I don't expect that to happen. It's a shame.