Virtanen released from PTO with Oilers

Forward Jake Virtanen was released from his professional tryout with the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.

The #Oilers have released forward Jake Virtanen from his professional tryout agreement (PTO).

The Oilers signed Virtanen to a PTO last month amid controversy as the 26-year-old had been in the centre of a sexual assault trial during the summer. 

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

Selected sixth-overall pick by the Vancouver Canucks in 2014, Virtanen was placed on administrative leave by the Canucks on May 1, 2021, after the sexual assault allegation was made against him. His contract was bought out by the team two months later. 

Virtanen played last season with the KHL's Moscow Spartak, where he registered nine goals and 16 points in 36 games.

In 317 career NHL games, the Abbotsford, B.C., product has 55 goals and 100 points.