The Canucks have extended Virtanen a qualifying offer.

EDGE Analysis

Virtanen set career highs in goals (10) and points (20) in 2017-18, so it's no surprise that the Canucks aren't willing to let him walk as a free agent. The 2014 sixth overall pick is just 21-years-old, and still has plenty of room to grow offensively.

Virtanen potted 10 goals and pitched in 10 assists through the course of 2017-18, throwing in 156 hits as well.

EDGE Analysis

After spending 2016-17 in the minors, Virtanen earned a spot with the big club during training camp, and enjoyed steady playing time although he just averaged 11:59 of ice time. The 21-year-old was physical as well as his 156 hits led the teams forward group, and he skated primarily with Bo Horvat during the year. If the two stick together during 2018-19, perhaps Virtanen will see an increase of ice time, as Horvat projects to take over the first line center role with the absence of Daniel and Henrik Sedin.

Virtanen (illness) will play Saturday against the Blue Jackets, Jeff Paterson of TSN 1040 Vancouver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Look for the physical Virtanen (146 hits in 71 games) to slot in on the fourth line with the imposing Brendan Gaunce and Adam Gaudette, a Hobey Baker finalist from Northeastern University.

Virtanen (illness) isn't on the ice for pregame warmups, indicating he won't be in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Oilers, Ben Kuzma of The Vancouver Province reports.

EDGE Analysis

There are reportedly several Canucks dealing with the flu ahead of Thursday night's contest, but it appears as though Virtanen will likely be the only one forced to sit out. Luckily for Vancouver, Brendan Gaunce (leg) will make his return to the lineup following a 24-game absence, so the Canucks shouldn't be shorthanded up front against Edmonton. Virtanen will likely be reevaluated ahead of Saturday's matchup with Columbus.

Virtanen scored a goal and added an assist in a 4-3 overtime win over the Islanders on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Virtanen hasn't been anything close to what Vancouver thought it was getting in the 2014 draft, when it took him sixth overall. He's managed just 17 points this season, and that's a career high for him. Still, he is only 21 years old and the Canucks probably aren't going to declare things hopeless for such a young player. For now, though, his value is mostly limited to dynasty leagues with a hope of him breaking out in 2018-19.

Virtanen (illness) resumed practicing with the team after missing Tuesdays matchup with Anaheim.

EDGE Analysis

Virtanen's return from illness will likely see Reid Boucher not only bumped from the lineup, but potentially sent back to AHL Utica. If he can stay healthy, the 21-year-old Virtanen is on pace to set career highs in goals, assists, shots and nearly every other statistical category. For now, the winger figures to slot into a bottom-six role but could periodically get shuffled up and down the depth chart.

Virtanen won't play Tuesday against the Ducks due to an illness.

EDGE Analysis

The 21-year-old winger has scored five goals and added four assists through 35 games this season. The Canucks will likely summon Michael Chaput in his place, and Virtanen will have until Saturday to get healthy for a meeting with Toronto.

Virtanen filled up the box score with a goal, an assist, five shots and a plus-2 rating during Thursday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

Virtanen's first multi-point effort of the season ended a five-game point drought. The 2014 sixth overall pick is close to being declared a complete bust, though his nine points through 32 games do at least have Virtanen on pace to eclipse his 2015-16 career high of 13 points.

Virtanen scored his third goal of the season and fired five shots on goal in Sunday's shootout loss to the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Virtanen only skated 10:01 in the defeat, but he showcased his lethal sniping ability with a perfectly placed shot that beat elite netminder Henrik Lundqvist. The 21-year-old appears to be staying in the lineup for the time being and can offer some value in deeper formats. He's sporting a tidy plus-5 rating and delivering some crushing hits, making him a well-rounded fantasy winger. He'll need to show more consistency and earn more minutes to warrant a look in most fantasy leagues, but he's worth keeping an eye on this season.

Virtanen recorded an assist in 10:25 of ice time Tuesday against Philadelphia.

EDGE Analysis

Virtanen had recently been a healthy scratch, but he got back in the lineup Sunday against the Blues and got on the scoresheet Tuesday in Philadelphia. If he continues playing with the Sedin twins, he should manage some decent production. Virtanen has just two goals and five points in 17 games on the season, however, so don't expect anything crazy. The youngster can be of value in deeper formats, but he needs to show more consistency before we can trust him in shallow leagues.