Canucks place Jake Virtanen on leave after sexual misconduct allegations

A woman who asked to remain anonymous for "fear of public backlash" told Glacier Media that she met Virtanen in September 2017. She said the two agreed to meet and Virtanen picked her up and drove her to a Vancouver hotel where he sexually assaulted her. 

"I couldn't believe that I said no and he didn't take that for an answer," the woman said. "I felt violated and gross and wanted to leave."

The woman told the police, but there are currently no charges pending against Virtanen. The NHL is aware of the matter and is monitoring the situation. 

Virtanen was selected sixth overall by the Canucks in the 2014 draft. In 317 career games, the 24-year-old has 55 goals and 45 assists.