There's room for Jordan Schroeder in the State of Hockey

The transition to professional hockey hasn't been quite as smooth as it was from High School into college. Since turning pro in 2011, you've mostly bounced around the AHL as your parent club switched affiliations but you've had a few cups of tea at the NHL level. There were a couple of injuries that impacted your ability to play for the Canucks, and they did not re-sign you after your entry-level contract expired, and that's when you came home. You recognized an organizational opportunity for scoring and we recognized a player that needed a fresh start. You've been a very productive member of our AHL club, but we haven't quite figured out if you are truly an NHL player.

This past season was a step back for you in the NHL. We were most impressed with you during your first call to Minnesota in 2014-15. You played 25 games and put up 8 points. Last year you quietly snuck in and played 26 games, which yielded just 4 points. Simply put, with your small stature, the only way you are truly valuable to this team is if you are putting points on the board. You don't give us much of a physical presence and aren't yet an NHL-caliber penalty killer. However, we still see a bunch of upside if you can continue to put your tools together and truly buy into our system.

Expectations For Next Year

Jordan, let's be honest. We can't offer you a guaranteed spot in Minnesota. But you're a strong contributor in Iowa and we like the experience and flexibility you can bring when forwards are hurt. We love having you be available as a first call-up. You haven't earned the biggest contract in the universe, so we will definitely be able to work out a deal for you if you can accept this role and use that as motivation to take your game to the next level. We'd love to have your leadership in Iowa and have you available when the inevitable injuries pop up. You're a Minnesota guy, and it makes a lot of sense for you to continue your career in the State of Hockey, but we would understand if you left to pursue a full-time NHL job.

Offseason Homework

1. Show us who you really are as a player at the World Championship. You're skating with phenom Auston Matthews and should be able to put up a bunch of points. Don't be invisible on the score sheet.

2. Get close with the new coaching staff. If you can learn the systems faster than everyone else, there might be room for you as the 13th forward in Minnesota.

3. Go see Diane Ness and keep focusing on your skating. It's your biggest strength, don't stop cultivating it.