2014 NHL Draft - Portraits - Round 1The Vancouver Canucks put their prospects under the microscope in a mini-camp last week, including Abbotsford’s Jake Virtanen.

Former NHLer Ryan Walter has some experience as a top prospect, being a number two overall pick, and says fans need to know that even if they want to see a youth movement, not every prospect will be ready.

“If Jonathan Toews is ready to step in then you let him step in. But probably about 80% of players need to spend time at the American Hockey League level to develop their confidence, to develop their skill, their strengths, their skating, So you just have to wait until they’re ready.”

Walter says it’s going to be tough for Virtanen, being a local boy, and he’ll have to guard against dwelling too much on the praises heaped on him.

“A lot of players do not react well to that type of accolade. So Jake’s really got to be focused, it’s got to be a focused summer. It really has to be about a larger career versus making the Canucks at training camp or not. And I think as long as he can keep that perspective he’ll be fine.”