Todd Bertuzzi delivers rude awakening call for Canucks Jake Virtanen

After being drafted sixth overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Jake Virtanen has had some trouble playing in his hometown. Everyone knows it, especially former Canuck Todd Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi delivers quite the wakeup call for Virtanen if he wants to play in the Canucks lineup as he appeared on Sportnet650.

He is a huge asset you don’t want being successful elsewhere, Bertuzzi said on Sportsnet650. It’s his inconsistency that drives the coaching staff nuts. If you’re a big guy not being noticed, you’re going to be out of the Canucks lineup very quick. 

 At 6’1, Virtanen has had trouble rushing the net and getting in on scoring chances. Usually, as he enters the offensive zone, he’ll dump the puck in the corner and chase it instead of trying to create scoring chances.

I hope he gets it, I want him to get it, Bertuzzi continued. If he’s not getting it after this long, then you have to ask yourself if he really wants to be there. I can’t answer for him, the signs are pointing to that maybe it’s becoming overwhelming playing in his hometown?

Virtanen has been surrounded by rumors for the past two seasons, most recently was offered to the Colorado Avalanche in a trade that would have brought defenceman Tyson Barrie to Vancouver, but eventually fell through due to cap reasons on Colorado’s part.

In 210 NHL games, Virtanen has scored just 59 points that include 32 goals. He was drafted before Dylan Larkin (15th), David Pastrnak (25th), Brayden Point (79th), Viktor Ardvisson (112th), and Samuel Blais (176th).

What are your thoughts on Bertuzzi’s comments?