Abbotsford native Jake Virtanen has officially re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks. It’s a two-year deal worth $5.1 million, with an AAV of $2.55 million per year. Virtanen was due for a raise after having a career year setting new highs in goals (18), assists (18), and points (36). And if the regular season wasn’t cut short due to the coronavirus, Virtanen could’ve had a chance to crack 20 goals. This deal is incredibly beneficial for Jim Benning and his management group as well as Virtanen’s camp to avoid arbitration. Benning stated this in a press release, “We look forward to him taking additional steps in his growth this year to help our team be successful.” Which, many Cauncks fans would argue Virtanen still has a lot to prove since being drafted 6th overall in 2014.

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So far in Virtanen’s career, Virtanen has played 279 games and has registered 50 goals and 45 assists for 95 points. Which currently ranks 24th among all players from the 2014 Draft class. Virtanen’s two-way game is still one area of his game that has received a lot of criticism and needs to be improved in order for Virtanen to become a more effective player. One thing to consider now is Virtanen’s placement in the lineup. Now that Tyler Toffoli is no longer with the Canucks, there’s an opportunity to play alongside either Elias Pettersson and J.T Miller, or Bo Horvat and Tanner Pearson. Given a chance to play with any of those players for a lengthy period of time could potentially increase his point totals, but is still something that may not be a guarantee. Especially if Virtanen were to show up to training camp out of shape like he’s been reported to have done in the past. Though according to an article on Sportsnet by Iain Macintyre, Virtanen said, “I’m making sure that I’m ready to go. I think Travis will see that. I want to turn some heads coming into camp and making sure I’m feeling good about myself and my confidence is high.”

So fingers crossed that Virtanen will be able to live up to his promise. Especially if the Canucks are hoping to get into the playoffs once again in the upcoming season. Though Benning still has more moves to make before the start of next season.