Was Virtanen mismanaged here?

[Odd.]

It may have been a pipe dream, but I was expecting Virtanen to play like his 2015-2016 physical self in these playoffs, back when he would hit anything that moved every chance he got and always took the puck to the net. All he does now is that dump and chase and go off for a quick shift, running around not accomplishing much. 

 

I always get this feeling that Virtanen was mismanaged throughout his time here. Whether it be him starting a year earlier before he was really ready, those 2 years in Utica, and/or being used as a 4th line depth player. I feel like his development has stifled. I get this feeling he's being held back, whether it be the result of Green and his coaching system, or just not being a fit entirely with the makeup of this team.

 

I've always wonder and will continue to wonder with what seems to be Virtanen's final days in Van, what if Virtanen played in a system like the  Vegas Knights, perhaps Boston, the Caps or the Blues. Physical, north-south style teams that play a heavy game and seem to play without any limits. I feel like Virtanen would strive in those types of environments, or maybe it's just a load of BS. 

 

It's hard not to root for the guy, he's got a very rare blend of speed and size. Again has the toolbox, just needs someone to help him use it correctly. Unfortunately, he won't learn it here.

[BoKnows]

Virtanen mis-managed his prioritization of hockey and beers.

[Patel Bure]

An argument can be made that he was mismanaged during his first season (when him and McCann both initially made the team due to management wanting to sell the fans on youth), but no, not really.   Jake was managed quite well after that and was given plenty of opportunities to grow his game and excel in roles that were compatible to his level.   Virtanen produced well this past season, but simply doesn’t conduct himself very professionally off the ice.    I think Virtanen will be moved in the off season for either a 2020 1st or as a sweetener with Sutter.

[JM_]

No.

 

At some point a guy gets enough chances that its mostly on him and thats where Jake is at. He's not terrible or a "bust" just not what you would have hoped for a 6th overall pick.

 

 

[DrJockitch]

First player I have ever heard of that came into two training camps out of shape in one season. 
For years I have defended Jake and said just wait until he is in the playoffs. Beautiful skater, physical and strong, good shot. When simplifies game is fantastic. 
After seeing his lack of acceleration (power to weight ratio kind of important) and disinterested play in the playoffs, I think it is time to see if he can be used as a sweetener to clear some cap or fill some of the holes. Unfortunately what we could really use is more players like Jake should be. Oh well, Podz is coming. 
He may flourish when he gets away from playing in home town but still think would be best choice. 

[Nuxfanabroad]

Kid's dopey as a dalmatian - untrainable. Hell with it. Cut the losses & move on.

[SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME]

Probably mismanaged initially, but that’s long since water under the bridge.

 

You could argue that he was rushed into the NHL, and that his development should have been taken slower and with more AHL time initially. But the Canucks corrected course with Jake in 2016-17, given his significant time that season in the AHL, and trying to help him develop his overall game and become a more well rounded player.

 

At this point, however, there are plenty of issues that fall on Jake’s shoulders, and that are up to him to correct. He needs to learn to eat and train properly in the offseason, show up in top shape every year, and be one of the best players through camp and preseason. Once the season starts, he needs to maintain his commitment to his fitness, bring a consistent effort every night (and shift to shift), and mentally, he needs to find that internal drive, and harness it towards becoming the best player he can be. 
 

He’s been given a lot of chances, had plenty of extra attention, and had his coaches (and teammates) try to push his buttons and challenge him to be better. He’s been given many opportunities. He’s never quite seized them.

 

Virtanen has all the natural gifts a player could ever hope for. He just doesn’t seem to have the compete level and commitment, and that’s on him.

[Kevin Biestra]

3 hours ago, SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME said:

Probably mismanaged initially, but that’s long since water under the bridge.

 

You could argue that he was rushed into the NHL, and that his development should have been taken slower and with more AHL time initially. But the Canucks corrected course with Jake in 2016-17, given his significant time that season in the AHL, and trying to help him develop his overall game and become a more well rounded player.

 

At this point, however, there are plenty of issues that fall on Jake’s shoulders, and that are up to him to correct. He needs to learn to eat and train properly in the offseason, show up in top shape every year, and be one of the best players through camp and preseason. Once the season starts, he needs to maintain his commitment to his fitness, bring a consistent effort every night (and shift to shift), and mentally, he needs to find that internal drive, and harness it towards becoming the best player he can be. 
 

He’s been given a lot of chances, had plenty of extra attention, and had his coaches (and teammates) try to push his buttons and challenge him to be better. He’s been given many opportunities. He’s never quite seized them.

 

Virtanen has all the natural gifts a player could ever hope for. He just doesn’t seem to have the compete level and commitment, and that’s on him.

 

It's a shame.  I know guys who gave it everything they had on the ice and in the gym to top out at the IHL or ECHL or not even make it to pro.  Friggin' Jake nearly coasts his way into the NHL and doesn't seem all that fussed if he stays there or not.

 

Edited September 9, 2020 by Kevin Biestra

[tas]

no, he's just a bad pro. 

 

at lower levels he was always able to skate by on his physical tools and to a lesser extent his talent, but unfortunately his lack of hockey sense and poor work ethic become glaring in the NHL.

[PetterssonOrPeterson]

He just doesn't care. That's his problem

[Devron]

Many organizations would have traded or gave up on him by now. Jake dug himself a hole. The Canucks gave him every opportunity in the world to succeed. 
 

Sucks cause I still like the player and he has the tools fans salivate over 

Edited September 8, 2020 by Devron44

[NewbieCanuckFan]

57 minutes ago, BoKnows said:

Virtanen mis-managed his prioritization of hockey and beers.

Yeah he was his own worst enemy but that doesn't mean he's a bust/has no hope.

 

Some players just take a little longer to 'see the light'.  

[Squamfan]

The Canucks did not tell him to come over weight every camp, the Canucks did not tell him to keep partying. It’s his fault and only can blame himself. Hanging out with the wrong group of people

[Down by the River]

He was rushed to the NHL and went through a bad shoulder injury, but those things should have only hurt his skill/physicality. Virtanen's problem is between the ears.

 

He has been on people's radars since he was about 10-11 years old. He spent nearly a decade being the best player on his team. Some kids can be focused on getting better as opposed to worrying about who is best, but I don't know that Virtanen has that type of personality. He seems a bit immature, not too bright, and not too focused. There is a major gap between what he wants and what he's willing to do. A change of scenery might do him good. I can see video coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, etc. getting fed up with Virtanen because he has the attention span that he had about a decade ago. 

[nergish]

He was mismanaged by puckbunnies, beer, and BBQs.

 

 

and the #worstcrewever

Edited September 8, 2020 by nergish

[Provost]

Not by the team.... he is a grown up and has had plenty of chances to play premium minutes and always managed to work his way down the lineup.

Lower draft picks don't get near the chances he does.

[VegasCanuck]

He should have been sent back to Junior for another year, he needed it.

 

That said, I think that Jake might have a bit of a maturity issue and might do better being away from home. It might be best for his career.

 

 

[erkayloomeh]

57 minutes ago, Odd. said:

It may have been a pipe dream, but I was expecting Virtanen to play like his 2015-2016 physical self in these playoffs, back when he would hit anything that moved every chance he got and always took the puck to the net. All he does now is that dump and chase and go off for a quick shift, running around not accomplishing much. 

 

I always get this feeling that Virtanen was mismanaged throughout his time here. Whether it be him starting a year earlier before he was really ready, those 2 years in Utica, and/or being used as a 4th line depth player. I feel like his development has stifled. I get this feeling he's being held back, whether it be the result of Green and his coaching system, or just not being a fit entirely with the makeup of this team.

 

I've always wonder and will continue to wonder with what seems to be Virtanen's final days in Van, what if Virtanen played in a system like the  Vegas Knights, perhaps Boston, the Caps or the Blues. Physical, north-south style teams that play a heavy game and seem to play without any limits. I feel like Virtanen would strive in those types of environments, or maybe it's just a load of BS. 

 

It's hard not to root for the guy, he's got a very rare blend of speed and size. Again has the toolbox, just needs someone to help him use it correctly. Unfortunately, he won't learn it here.

Omgoodness    I made a post about this a long time ago and got accused of bashing the coach. 

TG has a system that Jake does not fit into.  I'm not sure if that means he is  mismanaged necessarily but he doesn't fit here. Yet he was still on pace for 21 goals. When you consider his minutes that's actually pretty good. 

Mark my words if you like, but if/when he gets traded, like you said, to the right team you will hear bitching and whining like never before on this site.

He tried to play his same style as junior in his first year but he was a little reckless. Since then I believe he has been coached to change his style of play and I believe he is unable to do so. Go watch clips of his junior career.... He doesn't play the same way now. 

So I agree with your post I'm just not sure if calling it mismanaged is the right term as that seems to Blame the coach when you can't really expect the coach to change his systems to suit one player.  

As for Jakes abilities in this league I am a believer . 

 

[Trebreh]

I think his confidence was lost when he hit Polak with a huge (maybe dirty hit) and not only got suspended for it, but got called out by the leaders of the team Henrik and Desjardins instead of getting support.

 

WJC and 1st season Jake had swagger and loved to hit, thats why its was so furstrating to see him pass on hits against Vegas and the St.Louis because we know he has it in him. 

 

After hearing JB's interview today, i have no doubt Jake wont be back.

 

If another team still sees potential in him maybe we can anchor Eriksson with him in a trade lol. 

 

 

[alt kilgore]

The thing that is troubling is that he himself must hear the rumblings. He might even hear it  more because he has friends and family here. So you'd THINK that he'd be extra motivated at some point to grow up and go all in. The latest was getting in trouble going out to clubs during COVID, then coming in out of shape, being scratched for the first games.  All of that SHOULD light a fire under any player. Especially going into the playoffs.  The perfect opportunity to counter all the haters and show everyone how you've matured and are committed.  Heck even he'd have gotten in trouble for being out of position because he'd been dishing out so  many hits, I'd welcome that. Or crashed the net once too often and gotten a suspension.  SOMETHING to indicate he was at least putting up a fight to keep his job here. 

 

I don't get it. He could also rake in millions more $ for himself.  I think he's like a lot of guys I've known, punching in and out at work, not really caring about the job, because your real life is outside of work.  He's just not that dedicated to learning the game any more than is necessary to scrape by in the NHL, which is still in the millions of dollars.  I just hope some sucker GM will bite on him. Right now, I'd offer him up free + LE.