Canucks re-sign Virtanen to 2-year, $2.5M contract

The Vancouver Canucks re-signed forward Jake Virtanen to a two-year, $2.5-million contract, the team announced on Wednesday.

"We're pleased to sign Jake to an extension," general manager Jim Benning said in a release. "He adds physical presence and speed to our lineup and can help create offensive chances when going hard to the net. We look forward to seeing Jake take the next step in his game and consistently contribute to the team's success."

The 21-year-old receives a slight cut following his previous three-year, $5.325-million contract that carried an annual average of $1.775 million per season.

Virtanen - who was drafted by the Canucks sixth overall in 2014 - played his first full season with the club this past season, posting 10 goals and 10 assists in 75 games.