With five points in his last seven games, including an assist on Markus Granlund's overtime winner Wednesday against the Arizona Coyotes, the Vancouver Canucks have rewarded rookie Jake Virtanen by placing him on the first line alongside Henrik and Daniel Sedin.
"It is pretty sweet," the 19-year-old said Friday, per Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun. "I haven't really played with them since pre-season … I am looking forward to playing with those guys, they are world-class players."
Since a disappointing 2015 World Junior tournament, with just one point in four games and a pair of late penalties in Canada's quarterfinal loss to Finland, the forward admits his game has turned around.
"I came back from world juniors, I don't know exactly what happened, but everything felt a lot slower," Virtanen said. "I was seeing plays happen and reading plays better. I am feeling a lot more confident every game by making plays and stuff."
With Virtanen set to make his top-line debut Saturday against the Nashville Predators - as the Canucks begin a three-game homestand - newly signed defenseman Nikita Tryamkin practiced with the team Friday and is expected make his NHL debut next week.
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This is a great move by the Canucks. Regardless whether Virtanen is top line material or not, giving him a chance to play on the top line will help further his development. The Sedin’s are absolute professionals who have a high hockey IQ and having Virtanen with them will provide on ice insight on the offensive and defensive game.
Virtanen is intriguing to me. He has a very high skill level but makes lazy and over anxious plays. I think some time with the Sedin’s will benefit him in the long run. Good luck Jake!!