They both didn't do amazing, and if JB had the option they'd be playing opposite wings on the number 2 line in Utica. Circumstances and the fact that JV is ready for pro is the reason he is on the roster.
Does he deserve to be playing right now?
This is a question of who does he displace. Vrbata was our leading scorer last year and is the sniper on that second line. Hansen is a perfect player to have on the third line and Jake has shown he can play on the 4th. If he plays it will be in rotation with Prust/Dorsett/Cracknell. Also one player that "earned" his spot was Cracknell.
In my perfect world Vrbata is dealt for a good pick and Virtanen takes his spot. At the deadline Higgins and Jensen are dealt for a d prospect.