Jake Virtanen Officially Signs In KHL

Earlier this week, we reported that Jake Virtanen may be on his way to the KHL after receiving a contract offer from SKA Petersburg. Now, the 25-year-old winger is in fact heading to Russia, but will not be playing with them. Instead, has signed a one-year deal with Spartak Moscow.

The Vancouver Canucks placed Virtanen on leave this past May after he was accused of sexual assault. He did not return to the team from here and it led to his release from the organization earlier this off-season.

Virtanen was selected sixth overall by the Canucks during the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He showed signs of significant improvement during the 2019-20 season, as he had 18 goals and 36 points in 69 games. However, he regressed noticeably this past year, as he only had five goals in 38 games.

In 317 career games with the team over six seasons, he had 55 goals, 45 assists and 100 points.