Report: Canucks Virtanen to play for Team Canada…but not how you think

So…uh what are Nylander and Ehlers up to?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Canucks Virtanen to play for Team Canada…but not how you think
Keystone Press

While picks number 8 and 9 of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft shine on the international stage this month, pick number 6 will also be suiting up for his home country in another tournament scheduled for later this month. Of course, picks 8 and 9, William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets) of teams Sweden and Denmark, are starring for their team’s at the IIHF’s World Hockey Championships. Pick number 6, Jake Virtnanen of the Vancouver Canucks, will be playing for Canada’s Sr Men's National Inline Hockey Team in the 2017 World Games in Poland.

You read that right Canucks fans, your top prospect will be playing roller hockey in Poland this offseason. 

Since being selected 6th overall by the Canucks, the BC native has experienced a tough transition into pro hockey. He has shown flashes of the skill and speed that earned him his lofty draft ranking status, but inconsistencies in his game and in his approach to the game have hampered the development of the 20 year-old. His lack of production at both the NHL land AHL level has to be concerning to the team, especially when juxtaposed with picks like Nylander and Ehlers establishing themselves as young stars in the NHL.

Regardless of how you feel about the Virtanen selection, the youngster still has considerable upside to his game and hopefully a strong showing on the international stage can help boost his stalled development.