Stars' GM: Nichushkin bulked up by 15-20 pounds this summer

Dallas Stars forward Valeri Nichushkin is still a teenager, but his general manager says he's now built like an adult.

"I think he's gained 15 or 20 pounds already this summer," Stars GM Jim Nill told NHL.com.

Nichushkin was listed at six-foot-four and 205 pounds last season when he scored 14 goals and added 20 assists in his rookie campaign. The Stars selected him 10th overall in the 2013 Entry Draft.

Nill expects the right winger to take a leap this season.

"We're going to see it," the general manager said. "He stayed here for the summer again. He's been training every day. He's excited, itching to get back at it. I think we're going to see more growth from him now. He's been around the league. He just has to worry about hockey."

Head coach Lindy Ruff says Nichushkin could have easily approached the 20-goal mark last season.

"A little better finish, he could have easily been up there close to 20 goals for us," Ruff said.

The coach shared Nill's excitement about the team's young star.

"He's a very powerful skater and I don't want to see him get any slower, but obviously there is room for him to get stronger and I think that's what he's trying to improve on. I'm excited about him."