Oilers sign former first-round pick Jake Virtanen to professional tryout contract

Virtanen, now 26 years old, was selected by the Vancouver Canucks with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. Over parts of six seasons with the Canucks, Virtanen scored 55 goals and 100 points in 317 games.

The Canucks cut ties with Virtanen in July of 2021 by buying out the second season of a two-year contract worth $2.55 million annually. Virtanen had been on leave from the team since May of 2021 after allegations of sexual misconduct against him were made public.

In January of 2022, Virtanen was charged with sexual assault following an investigation by the Vancouver Police Department for an incident that allegedly occurred in September 2017. Virtanen was found not guilty by a jury in July of 2022.

Virtanen spent the 2021-22 season playing for Moscow Spartak of the KHL. He registered nine goals and 16 points throughout 36 games.