Canucks prepare to buy out Jake Virtanen

Photo: Dan Toulgoet

Jake Virtanen, the Vancouver Canucks forward involved in a civil lawsuit and being investigated by the Vancouver police for sexual misconduct, is being bought out by the team.

In a tweet the Canucks say GM Jim Benning has confirmed Virtanen was on his way out.

"Jake Virtanen has been placed on unconditional waivers for the purposes of a buyout," the team states.

Canucks GM Jim Benning has confirmed today that Jake Virtanen has been placed on unconditional waivers for the purposes of a buyout.

— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) July 25, 2021

Virtanen was placed on leave by the Canucks in April after allegation of sexual misconduct came out online.

In May a civil claim was filed in court regarding an incident that happened in September of 2017. The suit alleges Virtanen did not listen to the plaintiff when she said she didn't want to have sex and was "reckless, arrogant, high-handed, abusive and show a callous disregard for the wishes of the plaintiff." Virtanen responded in June, claiming innocence.

The Canucks hired independent investigators in the spring to look into the incident.

The Vancouver police are investigating the incident as well.