If Virtanen could ever settle into a top-six role in Vancouver, it would do wonders for his fantasy value. Instead, he's found himself somewhat buried down the depth chart, mainly occupying a third-line role. Last year saw the 2014 sixth-overall pick notch 25 points, including 15 goals, in 70 games. The 25 points represent a career high for Virtanen, but the Canucks are certainly looking for more from the 22-year-old. If you must, target the underachieving Virtanen with a late pick, otherwise wait and see how he starts the year, and if he finds a groove, pick him up and pat yourself on the back.
Virtanen made big strides late in the 2017-18 season when he started to carry the puck a lot more, but consistency has been elusive as he navigates through an up-and-down pro career. The speedy winger finished the season with 10 goals and 20 points in 75 games and saw his average ice time creep up from 10 minutes in October to 15 in April. However, Virtanen doesn't seem to be on the cusp of making that big leap and will likely bounce around in the bottom two lines over the course of the season with the occasional shift to the top six. If Virtanen can improve his shooting, both in quality and volume, a 20-goal season isn't out of the question, but he'll need the right opportunities, making him a high-risk, medium-reward fantasy option.
Virtanen has the potential to be an impact fantasy player, but there’s a difference between potential and reality. A 2014 sixth overall pick, Virtanen only appeared in 10 games with the Canucks last season, managing one assist in limited ice time. The 6-foot-1, 229-pound winger was sent down to AHL Utica to continue developing, but he failed to turn heads there, managing just 19 points in 65 games. While it’s certainly too early to label Virtanen a bust, it’s hard to be optimistic about his future in Vancouver. Sure, the 20-year-old has shown glimpses of the power forward he’s projected to become, though he’s been too inconsistent to be a regular in Vancouver’s lineup. Virtanen will likely spend another year in Utica, where management can help determine whether an NHL career is in his future.
Virtanen made an impact in his first NHL season, racking up seven goals and 13 points in 55 games. The 6-foot-1 winger didn’t light up the scoresheet, but he turned heads with his physical play and willingness to go to the dirty areas. He’ll likely play on Vancouver’s second or third line in 2016-17, where he should definitely improve on the 13 points he managed in his rookie campaign. If he can stick on the power play and log decent minutes, the former 45-goal-scorer in the WHL could be an impactful fantasy player this season.
Coming off major shoulder surgery that limited his participation in the prospects tournament and training camp, Virtanen produced 21 goals and 52 points in 50 games with the WHL Hitmen in 2014-15. The 18-year-old got a taste of professional hockey when he was brought up to Utica for an AHL playoff run, appearing in 10 games and managing one assist. The 6-foot-1, 218-pound winger is a physical presence whenever he's on the ice and never backs down from a challenge. Not only is the promising power forward never afraid to throw his weight around, Virtanen also exhibits tremendous work ethic and world-class skating ability that allows him to blow past defenders. Virtanen, who scored 45 goals with the Hitmen in 2013-14, has a wicked release on his shot that tends to handcuff goaltenders. While it’s possible he cracks the Canucks’ roster out of training camp, it’s more likely the youngster starts the season with Utica, where there's the promise of top-six minutes and power-play time. He could ultimately slot in on Vancouver’s third or fourth line this season, but don’t expect big offensive numbers until the physical force warps his way into the Canucks’ top six. The 2014 first-round pick has a nonstop motor and is gushing with fantasy potential, so keep an eye on him in the coming years.
Virtanen, 18, was one of the younger players in the 2014 draft class, but he’s already been tabbed as the best pure goal scorer of the draft. His game is really inconsistent, but that’s part of his huge appeal -- what is he capable of if he’s already this good? He scores a lot off the rush, but he’s no Phil Kessel. And that means he needs to figure out how to use his fantastic strength to his advantage in the cycle. But his average hockey smarts will make that learning curve long and slow. He won’t create offensive chances, but he sure will finish them if given a chance, in a James Neal or Evander Kane kind of way. His development hit a snag when he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in May that will keep him out until mid-October, but it shouldn't hinder his long-term outlook. Play watch-and-wait with Virtanen until you know he’s shown he can expand his game.
