The OilersMonday’s announcement by the team revealed that Jake Virtanen, forward free-agent, has been signed to a personal trial agreement.
Virtanen, 26, started his NHLYour career with the CanucksHe was drafted by, who picked him in the first round of 2014. After five and a quarter seasons playing with Vancouver, he was placed on leave by the team in May 2021. There are allegations against him of sexual assault. The alleged incident occurred in a Vancouver hotel room, on Sept. 26, 2017, when Virtanen had been a member the Canucks.
In July, the young woman who was 18 at time of the alleged incident testified that she did not consent for Virtanen to sex that night. He told the court she was an “enthusiastic participant,” according to a report from the Canadian Press. Virtanen was charged with one count for sexual assault. However, he was not found guilty by a jury at the British Columbia Supreme Court that month.
Both the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and the Canucks began investigating the allegations in May 2021. Before buying his contract, the Canucks suspended Virtanen.
Last September, Virtanen signed with the KHL’s Spartak Moscow, tallying nine goals and seven assists in 36 games.
On Monday, the Oilers signed Jason Demers, a free-agent defenseman to a professional trial agreement. The 34-year-old blueliner spent last season with the KHL’s Ak Bars Kazan and represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, appearing in five games and recording a pair of assists.
Demers was last in the NHL with the CoyotesFrom 2017 to 2021, he scored eight goals and had 35 assists in 195 games. He’s also played with the Sharks, Stars and Panthers.
(Photo: Derek Cain / Icon Sportswire)
