Edmonton Oilers make final decision on whether Jake Virtanen has made the team
The Edmonton Oilers have released forward Jake Virtanen from his professional tryout on Thursday.
The unrestricted free agent was hoping to earn a spot with the Oilers' talented forward group but had just one assist in six pre-season games.
The decision to offer Virtanen a PTO prompted some criticism of the Oilers as the 26-year-old stood trial in July on a count of sexual assault. He was acquitted but is still facing a civil suit in the case.
Virtanen, from Langley, B.C., was drafted sixth overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2014. He played 317 games for the Canucks over parts of six seasons, collecting 55 goals and 45 assists. Last season he played for Moscow Spartak in the KHL.
With a poor showing in exhibition play and the baggage attached to his name, opportunities at the NHL level could be slim for Virtanen.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 6 | 107 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers make final decision on whether Jake Virtanen has made the team Do you see Virtanen playing in the NHL again? | ||
| Yes, he�s still young and the potential is there | 48 | 44.9 % |
| No, never a big scorer not worth the bad press | 59 | 55.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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