Edmonton Oilers Release Jake Virtanen from PTO

Virtanen, 26, played most recently in the KHL after being blacklisted from North American pro hockey due to a sexual assault charge, since acquitted.

Edmonton signing him to a tryout was controversial enough, but Virtanen did not display high-level NHL calibre skill in his six-year career so far. The Oilers obviously did not see enough out of him to warrant a contract.

What is next for Virtanen is unclear, but he has said in the past he was not a fan of Russia. So, his options are limited.