2 Potential Destinations for Jake Virtanen

The Vancouver Canucks decided it was time to walk away from their former first-round pick as the team bought out Jake Virtanen earlier this summer. From being a bar star to some rather serious allegations off the ice, there's been a few headaches along the way for the organization. Now Virtanen waits without a contract and may have to accept a PTO somewhere in September.

2 Teams Who Could Take a Chance on Virtanen:

Carolina Hurricanes: The 'Canes are never shy of bold moves as we saw with the Anthony DeAngelo signing and they could actually use Virtanen next season due to their lack of depth at right-wing in their bottom-six. Last season in Vancouver the soon-to-be 25-year-old only managed five goals in 38 games but has shown in the past he's capable of better numbers. In 2019-20 he finished with 36 points in 69 games and any team taking a flyer are hoping this is the player they acquire.

Arizona Coyotes: The Coyotes are expected to be moving a few more veterans out and could be interested in a low-risk high-reward type of signing like Virtanen. He would get loads of ice-time in the desert and could use the showcase to restart his career. The former sixth overall pick of the Canucks has immense talent, but just needs to get his head on straight. If he's able to do so in Arizona, his showcase deal could turn into something long-term. If neither of these two teams make a move, look for Virtanen to have to head overseas to play hockey next season.