C Patrik Virta - TPS, Liiga (2017, 207th, NYR)

[Pavel Buchnevich]

21 year old triple overager pick from this past draft, 15 points in 17 games. Top U24 scorer in Liiga right now. Right shot.

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=98096

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Let me guess - he's tiny.

E: not really. He will probably get his chance at training camp next year.

 

[Lays]

3rd in Liiga for assists and 7th in points riding a 5 game point streak. Looks like a nice pick albeit it being early. Has a nice shot and a great motor. Could see him being similar to Jesper Fast, elite bottom sixer type. 1 assist away from tying his assist total last year in 22 less games. 5'10 168 pounds which is small but not too small

 

[Lays]

One of my favorite prospects we have. Virta is well rounded offensive player. Signed for the KHL this year and had his first goal in his first game off a beauty shot

 

[Hostile Offer]

He was a bit of an enigma for me last year. I loved him in the year that got him drafted, he just oozed poise, he had a never stopping engine and that shot he got - it's a beaut. But last year, even though his production took a step up (40pts in 58 games in the low scoring Liiga is huge), he just didn't impress me the same way. It seemed like he was more of a product of his linemates. I just really don't know how to feel about him at this point but if last year is any indication, I'm not predicting a successful career for him in the NA. He has talent though, just needs to keep on working hard.

 

[Lays]

He was a bit of an enigma for me last year. I loved him in the year that got him drafted, he just oozed poise, he had a never stopping engine and that shot he got - it's a beaut. But last year, even though his production took a step up (40pts in 58 games in the low scoring Liiga is huge), he just didn't impress me the same way. It seemed like he was more of a product of his linemates. I just really don't know how to feel about him at this point but if last year is any indication, I'm not predicting a successful career for him in the NA. He has talent though, just needs to keep on working hard.

Agree with this-he seemed to slack off a tiny bit but showed great flashes. He definitely does have NHL potential though, could see him being a solid 3rd liner. Brings good energy and has a great shot with good offensive instincts. He looked lazy at times to me last year though, waited for the puck to get to him rather than chasing it down. His highlights are below

 

[Lays]

Doing pretty good this year

 

[Joey Bones]

Next Victor Arvidsson!!

 

[SoundAndFury]

I actually never realized he's only 22, pretty unusual for Finns to move to the KHL at that age. He's not really close to Arvidsson but as someone said before, he can indeed a useful NHL player in the future.

 

[JJTT]

@hcslovanba
Forward Patrik Virta parts company with #hcslovan team after mutual agreement. Finnish player earned in 21 @khl games 9 points (2g+7a). #hcslovan wishes him good luck in further career.

 

[Kaako Kappo]

@hcslovanba
Forward Patrik Virta parts company with #hcslovan team after mutual agreement. Finnish player earned in 21 @khl games 9 points (2g+7a). #hcslovan wishes him good luck in further career.

I don't understand why these guys go to KHL. If you wanna play in the KHL, try to sign with Jokerit or don't bother. Most of the other organisations are trash.

 

[theslatcher]

Sounds like he has a verbal agreement with the SHL's Örebro.

 

[SoundAndFury]

I don't understand why these guys go to KHL. If you wanna play in the KHL, try to sign with Jokerit or don't bother. Most of the other organisations are trash.

Because he wanted a chance and Slovan gave it to him. He started the season on the 1st line just couldn't play the role well enough. Also as saying most of KHL organizations are trash is just trash itself.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Because he wanted a chance and Slovan gave it to him. He started the season on the 1st line just couldn't play the role well enough. Also as saying most of KHL organizations are trash is just trash itself.

Minutes don’t reflect a first line role.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Minutes don’t reflect a first line role.

The first few games he was adjusting to the team, but he was promoted to the top line 2 weeks into the season, playing 16+ minutes a game. This is mostly ES by the way. This lasted until mid-October. Sometimes it helps to do some research because it feels like you just look at his average TOI and form an opinion based on that.

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

Because he wanted a chance and Slovan gave it to him. He started the season on the 1st line just couldn't play the role well enough. Also as saying most of KHL organizations are trash is just trash itself.

That's not true at all, he started the season as a middle-6er played well and got promoted to the 1st line, then he had a falling out with the coach and now he's gone.

 

[Killerjas]

Can he be signed to NYR's AHL team?

 

[GAGLine]

Can he be signed to NYR's AHL team?

He's not currently under contract with the Rangers. They could sign him and assign him to Hartford, or he could sign an AHL deal or a PTO to play there, but we don't really have room for him in Hartford right now. I imagine he'll go back to the SHL to finish out the year and the Rangers will sign him to an ELC that begins next season.

 

[SoundAndFury]

That's not true at all, he started the season as a middle-6er played well and got promoted to the 1st line, then he had a falling out with the coach and now he's gone.

Any actual source about this "falling out"?

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

No public source, no. Virta was never injured/ill but Slovan said so when he was scratched, take my word with as much salt as you wish.