Report says allegations against Jake Virtanen have nothing to do with the Canucks buying him out

When Jake Virtanen of the Vancouver Canucks was placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out his contract, many assumed a criminal investigation and a civil lawsuit against him making claims of sexual assault were the biggest factors in the team decided to cut him loose. Sportsnet reporter Iain MacIntyre doesn't believe that's the case.

"It's not ongoing legal issues that have ended Jake Virtanen's time with the Vancouver Canucks, it's hockey issues," wrote MacIntyre.

"Virtanen's development stagnated to the point he played himself out of coach Travis Green's lineup five times last season, and the 24-year-old from Abbotsford finished the pandemic campaign with just five goals and no assists – offensive numbers lower than what he posted as an overmatched National Hockey League teenager-rookie in 2015-16."

Virtanen signed a two-year extension with Vancouver in October of last year worth $2.55 million per season. That contract was set to expire at the end of next season, but the 24-year-old will now be an unrestricted free agent once the buyout is completed on Monday.

MacIntyre said on Twitter that Virtanen needs a chance elsewhere to prove he can still play. However, that might be difficult. Perhaps MacIntyre is right at the Canucks would have cut ties with Virtanen even is the allegations hadn't surfaced, but those allegations are likely to stop other teams from signing him. Some are comparing this to the Logan Mailloux situation with the Montreal Canadiens, but Mailloux's legal proceedings are over. He was issued a fine, part of which was paid to the victim. Virtanen is still very much in the middle of a civil suit and a police investigation on the allegations that have been levelled against him. That makes things much more complicated.

MacIntyre's statement that Virtanen needs an opportunity to play elsewhere did not sit well with many of his followers on Twitter

MUST READ

1 hour ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch 600-Game NHL Veteran John Klingberg Signs With Canadian Team

2 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Capitals Reportedly Holding Off on Extending Goalie Due to Possible Rift in the Locker Room

3 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Rick Tocchet Lays Into J.T. Miller: His Time in Vancouver is Likely Over

4 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Star Islanders Rookie Maxim Tsyplakov May Be Facing Major Suspension for Vicious Hit

20 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Pittsburgh Police Update Investigation Into Evgeni Malkin House Robbery

20 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Young New York Rangers Forward Opens Up About Mental Struggles Amid Injuries

22 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet Reveals the Real Reason JT Miller's Ice Time Has Dropped

Jan 16  |  By Graham Montgomery Tristan Jarry's New Team Confirmed After Being Placed on Waivers Yesterday

MORE STORIES