Jake Virtanen | #18 | RW

[Derp...]

Stoked for tomorrow. Hopefully JV gets some time with Fabbri and McDavid again. I think that line matches up well against the Fins.

[StarGirl]

Stoked for tomorrow. Hopefully JV gets some time with Fabbri and McDavid again. I think that line matches up well against the Fins.

Yeah, I hoped for McDavid and Virtanen being on the same line since the pre-tourney.

Plus, the bonus point is that tomorrow's game is against the Fins and which Virtanen will have some emotion to since remembering how he's dual citizen of both Canada and Finland.

[Outsiders]

Virtanen is 2 maybe 3 years away. He needs to work on his game without the puck much like Shinkaruk did. He will need time in the AHL to develop this. He's got another year of junior after this, which is bad cause his team sucks but after that Travis is the man to help Virtanen to round his game

[Outsiders]

LA : Doughty (2nd), Schenn (4th), Kopitar (10th), Pearson (30th), Brown (13th), Voynov (32nd), Quikc (72nd),

BOS : Krejci (63rd), Hamilton (8th), Bergeron (45th), Lucic(50th), Marchand (71th)

CHI : Toews (3rd) Kane (1st), Seabrok (13th), Keith (54th), Saad (42nd), Shaw (139th), Hajlamarson (108th)

MTL : Galchenyuk (3rd), Gallagher (147th), Pacioretty (22nd), Subban (43rd), Plekanec (71st), Emelin 84th)

STL : Bakces (62nd), Berglung (25th), Pietrangelo (4th), Swchart (14th), Tarasenko(16th), Oshie 24th

Van : Hodgson (8th), Horvat (9th), Grabner (14th), Schreoder (22nd)

We had good picks too and none of them are playing yet. Man, Virtanen will get crucified if he doesn't come through.

this just shows you how it is not only important to draft well in the first round but 2 though 7 because looking at those other teams players drafted 2 round though 5 they play a very important role in their teams success

[Pimp C]

That's nice, then stop bringing up other players. You're the one that said people who "blow Nylander and Ehlers" should shut up because Virtanen had played well, not me.

If it comes up in relation to the topic at hand, I'll discuss it. I'm not sure why you're bringing it up though. Do you have a point you'd like to say more succinctly?

If people stop blowing Nylander and Ehlers in a Virtanen thread, then I will stop bringing those midgets up.

[Smashian Kassian]

Virtanen definitely would not have made the team this year injury or not, and its not a guarantee he will make it next year, I think he is still a few years away.

Horvat had/has a maturity about him that Virtanen does not have, Virtanen is physically ready but he is still somewhat raw, he needs to work on his consistency, his two-way game and his discipline on the ice.

I think we will be a good player for us but not over night. And to add to that, I think if we take some time with him, that when he does crack the roster he could have a significant impact right away.

[canuktravella]

sorry guys but virtanen will earn a spot in sept in the bigs hes got speed to burn and had a nhl body at 17 he has better speed than hansen and hands so i can see him training hard all summer and showing up to run over some players in nhl the futures here

[Canucks1219]

I guess I'll start by reminding everyone of how Desjardins didn't even entertain the thought of Horvat making the team for the simple reason of him being a teenager. It's his mature, defense-first, faceoff-strong, penalty-killing, and, quite simply, safe game that made Willie decide to keep him. Virtanen is a hell of a player but he is not nearly as mature as Horvat (few kids are), needs some work on defense, and isn't a faceoff specialist or penalty killer. Ask yourself, first of all, if Desjardins would put this player in the lineup. I highly doubt it. Virtanen is still a very raw prospect and he is far from having a complete game. He shouldn't make the NHL simply because he's faster than some other player and has good size. There's more to the NHL than that. I truly believe that another season in the WHL, with a proper offseason of training, is what he needs.

I would love to see him as soon as possible, but I don't think next season is that year. Not unless his development takes a massive (and I mean massive) step forward post-World Juniors.

[JeremyCuddles]

Desjardins doesn't seem interested in playing teenagers. Only reason Bo made it is because he is great in his own end coupled with good face off numbers. Virtanen while great will likely play one more year in junior unless he comes into camp like a bat out of hell.

Edited December 29, 2014 by N7Nucks

[BanTSN]

In the interests of the team, Desjardins would have to dress the best lineup possible. If Benning and he decide that Jake Virtanen is ready, then he will be in the lineup. Given how this team cannot seem to score 5-on-5 goals often anymore, I can see there being a case for it after next camp.

[Spotted Zebra]

He is just way too raw, he makes too many moves that would result in him getting benched at the NHL level

Next year maybe it depends how he matures but more likely the year after

[Dogbyte]

So all of the sudden everyone is able to predict what Virtanen will be like next year at training camp, and what WD, and Benning are thinking. Okay then pretty funny stuff.

Edited December 29, 2014 by Dogbyte

[TOMapleLaughs]

I'd say he's the best prospect we've seen in years. Being a 6th overall pick with no strength/undersized issues, he obviously has a decent shot. Just based on what's happened with previous similar draftpicks, including Horvat, I'm not sure how anyone can say he's 2-3 years away. What? Because of that fictitious "He has no hockey iq" nonsense? The best thing about him is that he's fine playing on any line, in any role, and he can even take draws. Desjardins is going to love him.

[CRAZY_4_NAZZY]

Remember guys Virtanen may look good....against other teenagers.

Teenagers vs Men is a whole different story.

[Spotted Zebra]

I'd say he's the best prospect we've seen in years. Being a 6th overall pick with no strength/undersized issues, he obviously has a decent shot. Just based on what's happened with previous similar draftpicks, including Horvat, I'm not sure how anyone can say he's 2-3 years away. What? Because of that fictitious "He has no hockey iq" nonsense? The best thing about him is that he's fine playing on any line, in any role, and he can even take draws. Desjardins is going to love him.

Not able to say that just yet, he's very dynamic and an absolute treat to watch skate!

Having said that he makes a lot of the same

Mistakes that Kassian does that infuriate WD. Having said that I think you can give him a pass because he knew he wasn't playing against a good team in Germany, if he does the same things against Finland and US well let's

Just hope he doesn't

[TOMapleLaughs]

Not able to say that just yet, he's very dynamic and an absolute treat to watch skate!

Having said that he makes a lot of the same

Mistakes that Kassian does that infuriate WD. Having said that I think you can give him a pass because he knew he wasn't playing against a good team in Germany, if he does the same things against Finland and US well let's

Just hope he doesn't

I don't think it's the mistakes that Kassian makes that would be the most infuriating. All young players make them. It's probably more the wild inconsistency with Kassian's game, including total laziness at times, turning invisible, taking stupid penalties, not going to the net, and non-physical play, including a perplexing unwillingness to drop 'em. I like Kassian, but I admit that there may be some insurmountable flaws to his game that keeps him down the depth chart, as several coaches now have failed to make a breakthrough. Virtanen's a better prospect though.

[Guest Dasein]

I think everybody is right - he could be ready as early as next year, or he could be 2-4 years away. Of course, that's a no brainer (a monkey could tell you that much ), but it's too early to make predictions about whether he'll be ready next year, or the year after and so on.

I see a lot of people pointing at Horvat as evidence - funnily enough, some point to him as evidence that Virtanen will make it at age 19 while others are convinced that it is proof that Virtanen won't make it unlike Horvat.

Looking at Horvat, the reasons he had for making this team going into training camp were plenty - physically ready, solid defensive play and good faceoff percentage. The two question marks for Bo was his skating and offensive capability.

Bo improved his skating significantly to the point where it was no longer a concern by training camp. Still, I thought he was going to be sent back because I thought he could improve offensively better in the OHL than the NHL - Benning (and some CDCers) thought otherwise, and I trust him. So far, Bo's played really well in a 4th line role, and he's showing signs of improvement offensively, so it looks like the right choice.

Looking at Virtanen (at this stage of his 18-yr-old season), there are also reasons that he could make this team - physically ready (like Bo), excellent skating (possibly the best Canuck), plays a gritty & rough game, and has an NHL shot. Like Bo (prior to training camp), Virtanen's game has two questions - defensive play and decision-making.

Can Virtanen improve his defensive play and decision-making to a point where it's not a concern by training camp? I don't think anyone can say that he can't with certainty - there is still a lot of games left in which he can develop. However, I don't think anyone can say with certainty that he will either - defensive play and decision-making are are some of the toughest things to fix/learn as a young player, and it takes time.

I don't think it's out of the question that Virtanen makes this team out of camp next year as the 4RW - he possesses a man's body, excellent skating and an NHL shot while playing a rough and gritty game tailored for the bottom 6.

His defensive game and decision making will have to improve, and that's going to be challenging. One thing Jake has going for himself is that his skating is good enough to make up for mistakes defensively if he just raises his awareness - he doesn't have to always be positionally sound like Bo (a slower skater) to make defensive plays - so long as he recognizes on time before it's too late.

Let's see what he does rest of the way and in training camp before we pencil him into a roster spot, or write him off. I don't think it's out of the question that Jake could get his 9 games, but at the same time, it's just as likely that he could be sent down right away to continue developing.

EDIT: One thing that is certain though, is that we got a gem in our hands

Edited December 29, 2014 by Dasein

[Outsiders]

I think everybody is right - he could be ready as early as next year, or he could be 2-4 years away. Of course, that's a no brainer (a monkey could tell you that much ), but it's too early to make predictions about whether he'll be ready next year, or the year after and so on.

I see a lot of people pointing at Horvat as evidence - funnily enough, some point to him as evidence that Virtanen will make it at age 19 while others are convinced that it is proof that Virtanen won't make it unlike Horvat.

Looking at Horvat, the reasons he had for making this team going into training camp were plenty - physically ready, solid defensive play and good faceoff percentage. The two question marks for Bo was his skating and offensive capability.

Bo improved his skating significantly to the point where it was no longer a concern by training camp. Still, I thought he was going to be sent back because I thought he could improve offensively better in the OHL than the NHL - Benning (and some CDCers) thought otherwise, and I trust him. So far, Bo's played really well in a 4th line role, and he's showing signs of improvement offensively, so it looks like the right choice.

Looking at Virtanen (at this stage of his 18-yr-old season), there are also reasons that he could make this team - physically ready (like Bo), excellent skating (possibly the best Canuck), plays a gritty & rough game, and has an NHL shot. Like Bo (prior to training camp), Virtanen's game has two questions - defensive play and decision-making.

Can Virtanen improve his defensive play and decision-making to a point where it's not a concern by training camp? I don't think anyone can say that he can't with certainty - there is still a lot of games left in which he can develop. However, I don't think anyone can say with certainty that he will either - defensive play and decision-making are are some of the toughest things to fix/learn as a young player, and it takes time.

I don't think it's out of the question that Virtanen makes this team out of camp next year as the 4RW - he possesses a man's body, excellent skating and an NHL shot while playing a rough and gritty game tailored for the bottom 6.

His defensive game and decision making will have to improve, and that's going to be challenging. One thing Jake has going for himself is that his skating is good enough to make up for mistakes defensively if he just raises his awareness - he doesn't have to always be positionally sound like Bo (a slower skater) to make defensive plays - so long as he recognizes on time before it's too late.

Let's see what he does rest of the way and in training camp before we pencil him into a roster spot, or write him off. I don't think it's out of the question that Jake could get his 9 games, but at the same time, it's just as likely that he could be sent down right away to continue developing.

EDIT: One thing that is certain though, is that we got a gem in our hands

One of the most truthful posts I've ever read. You are spot on with this one. Agree 100%

[avelanch]

i would have liked to see him pass to mcdavid or fabbri in that 3-1 situation instead of taking a low percentage shot at the beginning of the 3rd last game, but other than that i have no complaints with what i've seen from him. he won't be able to just skate through guys and bowl them over as he goes in the NHL though (at least not at first), but he's a very strong skater he's like a more talented mason raymond without the bambi legs.

Edited December 29, 2014 by avelanch

[avelanch]

Team Canada Family: Jake Virtanen

There may be Finnish roots in the family, but Rainer and Brigitte Virtanen are Canadian to the core

Wendy Graves

December 29, 2014

Jake Virtanen’s dad, Rainer, was born in Finland and lived 10 of the first 15 years of his life there. But when the Finns play Canada’s National Junior Team on Dec. 29, his loyalties will be anything but divided.

“I have a soft spot in my heart for Finland, but there’s no doubt I’m rooting for Canada all the way,” he says. “It’s not even close.”

Back in B.C., Rainer’s dad has also switched allegiances. “We bought him a red-and-white sweater because he’ll be cheering at home,” says Jake’s mom, Brigitte. “We told him he has to wear it during games and cheer for Jake.”

Now the family just has to convert the last holdout: Jake’s great-uncle, who still lives in Finland.

“(My dad and him have) been bugging each other over Skype about who’s going to win the game,” says Rainer, laughing.

For many Canadian hockey fans, the World Juniors are a favourite holiday tradition, and the Virtanens are no exception. The family went to the 2006 tournament in Vancouver. Nine years later they’re sitting in the stands again, only this time with a more personal interest.

In Canada’s opener against Slovakia, Jake scored the final goal in an 8-0 win. With some fans already up and heading for the exits, Rainer and Brigitte couldn’t see the ice, only the people around them getting excited.

“I said to Brigitte, I think Jake scored that,” says Rainer. “We looked at the monitor and said, ‘yes, he did,’ and gave each other a little high-five.”

With Jake having played spring hockey in the same organization as Curtis Lazar, Nic Petan and Shea Theodore – who also attended the same high school as Jake – the Virtanens know the families of several of their son’s teammates.

Camaraderie at this level comes naturally, as does providing unwavering support to their sons.

“Sometimes they’re going to have good days and sometimes they’re going to fumble, but that’s okay,” says Brigitte. “You know, they’re teenagers.”

Jake has always had specific hockey goals, his dad says, including playing in the Western Hockey League (he’s now in his third season with the Calgary Hitmen), getting drafted in the NHL (the Vancouver Canucks selected in the first round in 2014) and being chosen for the World Juniors.

“We’re so proud and happy for him,” says Rainer. “Of course, the pride comes through for yourself, but mostly it’s a sense of pride for what he’s accomplished to get where he is.”

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/Finnish-roots-in-family-but-Rainer-and-Brigitte-Virtanen-Canadian-to-core

Edited December 29, 2014 by avelanch