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NHL teams interested in Jake Virtanen following his exoneration in sexual assault case

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In July, former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen took the stand in his sexual assault trial, where he is being accused of a 2017 sexual assault on an 18-year-old woman. He pleaded not guilty in the case and maintained that the sexual relations between him and his accuser were entirely consensual. Following a week-long trial and full day of deliberations, the jury found Virtanen not guilty of sexual assault.

He mentioned how he could focus on hockey again, and it sounds like one team in the NHL is putting their attention on him.
Per Zach Laing who cites insider Rick Dhaliwal, it is believed that the Edmonton Oilers are among several teams believed to have an interest in Virtanen, who spent last season in the KHL.

However, Dhaliwal made the claim prior to Edmonton signing Justin Bailey to a professional tryout offer.

Other teams might look to get Virtanen on board. He played six seasons with the Canucks until he was placed on leave by the club in May 2021 once the allegations emerged. His contract was bought out later that year.

So far in his career in the NHL, Virtanen posted 55 goals and 100 points in a total of 317 games. Last season in the KHL with Moscow Spartak, he put up nine goals and 16 points in 36 contests.

What’s next for Virtanen?

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