The Vancouver Canucks placed forward Jake Virtanen on leave after sexual misconduct allegations against the 24-year-old as they await information from an independent investigation, the team announced Saturday.

"We have become aware of the concerning allegations made about Jake Virtanen. Our organization does not accept sexual misconduct of any kind and the claims as reported are being treated very seriously by us. We have engaged external expertise to assist in an independent investigation and we have placed the player on leave as we await more information," the Canucks said in a statement.

Virtanen was drafted sixth overall by the Canucks in 2014 and is in his sixth season with the club. He signed a two-year, $5.1-million contract with Vancouver this past October.

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