Canucks' Jake Virtanen: Focusing on strength in offseason

Virtanen has bulked up this offseason in an effort to build muscle and improve his shot and foot speed, Jon Abbott of TSN1040 reports.

Analysis:

Virtanen is listed at 212 pounds on various hockey sites, but the latest measurement has him weighing in at 223. The added strength should help the 20-year-old in terms of puck control and putting more force into his hits. Despite averaging only 11:34 of ice time as a rookie last season, Virtanen laid into opponents 128 times, good for third on the Canucks. We're talking about the sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft, and Virtanen certainly has the potential to break out offensively, especially if he's given the shot at a top-six role in the upcoming season.