Vancouver Canucks pick left-winger Jake Virtanen sixth overall at NHL draft

PHILADELPHIA – The Vancouver Canucks added offensive depth by selecting Jake Virtanen with the sixth pick at the NHL draft.

Virtanen, from the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, is six-foot-one, 210-pound left-winger who is known for his acceleration and physical play.

Virtanen scored 45 goals and had 26 assists in 71 games with the Hitmen last season.

The Canucks had tried to move up the draft board by trying to trade for Florida’s number-one pick, but in the end the Panthers kept it and drafted defenceman Aaron Ekblad.

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.