The Vancouver Canucks have been more than patient with 2014 first round pick Jake Virtanen, as they continue to hold out hope that he’ll grow into a consistent 20 to 30-goal scorer.
In many cases NHL teams give up on high end prospects if they haven’t reached their full ceiling within five years. The Arizona Coyotes gave up on Dylan Strome — the No. 3 selection in a stacked 2015 draft class, to the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Buffalo Sabres drafted Alexander Nylander with the No. 8 pick in 2016, but he only appeared in 19 games for the franchise over a three-year span before they sent him to the Blackhawks in July.