Virtanen unleashing potential

It took some time, but Jake Virtanen is putting it together.
The 22-year-old has recorded eight goals in just 20 contests this season after needing 60 games to reach that mark in 2017-18. Not only does Virtanen sit third on the team in goal-scoring, but he leads the Canucks with 16 takeaways and ranks second on the club with 40 hits.

Virtanen is finding the back of the net consistently, but it's his ability to steal the puck and create opportunities off the rush that are making him stand out. He's playing hungry and determined hockey, and it's led to a terrific first quarter.
Virtanen is winning races, going to the net and utilizing his large 6-foot-1, 226-pound frame to dominate board battles. His goal against the Calgary Flames in the season opener is a prime example of what he's capable of. Virtanen uses excellent acceleration and speed to race to a loose puck before using his large frame to shield off opposing blueliner Mark Giordano and beat netminder Mike Smith.
Watch: Youtube Video
After putting up 10 goals in 75 contests last season, Virtanen has taken a big step forward this year. It certainly helps that he's been playing alongside talented players such as the young phenom Elias Pettersson, but confidence goes a long way. Virtanen is seeing the most ice time of his career right now thanks in part to coach Travis Green. Through the first 20 games of 2018-19, Virtanen is averaging around 14 minutes of ice time and has locked down a spot on the second power-play unit.
He's already scored twice with the man advantage this season after not being a regular member of either power-play unit in the past two seasons. Virtanen has a great net-front presence and can use his size to screen goaltenders and deflect pucks. His determined play has led to him tracking down loose pucks in the slot and burying rebounds.

It was only a matter of time before the Abbotsford native started finding his game. Virtanen was a 45-goal-scorer in the WHL and showcased several traits that made the Canucks draft him sixth overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The Canucks saw a promising power forward who could dish out punishing hits, score a healthy amount of goals and use his size to wear down opponents.
There were signs of what Virtanen could become in the very-early goings of his professional career. Whether it was welcoming Connor McDavid to the league in the 2015 Young Stars Classic or scoring an electrifying first career NHL goal against the Philadelphia Flyers at Rogers Arena, there were glimpses of his potential.
Watch: Youtube Video
Watch: Youtube Video
It took longer than some expected, but Virtanen is finally rewarding those who remained patient. Still in his early-20s, Virtanen has a very promising NHL career ahead of him on a young Vancouver squad gushing with offensive talent. With Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat leading the charge, Virtanen is flourishing in a supporting role.
Consistency will be key for Virtanen, who is being given all the opportunities to succeed in Vancouver. If the first quarter of the 2018-19 NHL season is any indication, Virtanen is in line for a career year and showing no signs of slowing down.