Point where I actually got really worried about Virtanen was this dumb hit that he got suspended for:
Kassian-like idiocy. Out on an island by himself having no idea what to do.
That one was disturbing, and illuminating. He just looks lost.
That was always the problem with his play in the NHL. He never looked like he knew what to do. He had no conviction. Compared to a guy like Hansen or Burrows, who are always buzzing around looking to create an opportunity, Virtanen would sort of float around and look confused.
Another comparison...when Stecher stepped in, he wanted it. He looked determined and wasn't going to let anyone take the opportunity away from him. He was confident.
Anyone that thinks that being thrown into the NHL before you're ready isn't the worst thing you can do to completely destroy a prospect's career is out of their mind. We see it happen all the time, and yet there are still the same ones that throw a fit because their shiny new toy isn't playing in the show. Jake was barely a PPG in his draft +1 yr. In no way shape or form did he dominate the WHL.
This failure is yet another feather in the cap of the dynamic duo, Trev and Jim. They should be shot out of a cannon for this alone, never mind the other atrocities they've committed.