Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen has been placed on leave after allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him.

"We have become aware of the concerning allegations made about Jake Virtanen," the team said in a statement Saturday. "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 wait more information."