Jordan Schroeder

Now on his third organization despite a first-round pedigree, Schroeder will try to carve out a role with the Jackets on a checking line, but the organization's depth of younger talent up front will lock him out of any realistic chance at significant ice time.

The 2009 first-round draft pick failed to catch on in Vancouver and ended up signing with the Wild before last season to add depth in the AHL. However, when given a shot with the Wild in February he provided a spark with seven points in ten games. He then largely languished on the bench on a deep roster. While he's likely ticketed for AHL Iowa again, he could work his way into regular role with the Wild if injuries strike.

Schroeder made his NHL debut last season, appearing in 31 games with the Canucks while making a couple of pit stops with Chicago of the AHL. He finished his debut season with nine points (three goals, six assists) while skating primarily with the third and fourth lines. Vancouver rolled out the diminutive Schroeder as a center for most of the season, but he can also slide over to wing, a role he could play quite a bit during the 2013-14 season if Vancouver keeps some of their other young prospects around. A likely third- or fourth-line role could put a cap on Schroeder’s short-term potential, but he remains a quality prospect with decent offensive upside. He underwent shoulder surgery in May, but barring a setback, he should be ready for camp.

The 2009 first-round pick made marked improvements during the 2011-12 season, finishing with 44 points (21 G, 23 A) in 76 games with Chicago of the AHL. While Schroeder saw his point totals jump from 28 to 44 in his second full season in the AHL, his highly-skilled offensive game (great vision, speed and hands) hint at even more potential. With Ryan Kesler (shoulder) on the shelf and Cody Hodgson now skating on ponds in Buffalo, Schroeder has a slight opening to make his case for a roster spot out of training camp, but he’ll have to be quite impressive to make good on that opportunity. If Schroeder does make the Canucks’ roster, he would be a young sleeper to keep an eye on this season.

The Canucks' first-round pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft was stymied by an ankle injury during his first full season at the AHL level, finishing with just 28 points (10 G, 18 A) in 61 games. Despite the lackluster season, Schroeder remains one of the Canucks' top prospects thanks in part to his speed and playmaking ability. He probably won't win a spot on the Canucks' roster out of camp, but Schroeder could see a promotion before the end of the season.

The Canucks landed Schroeder with the 22nd pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft after the talented winger dropped due to size (5-9, 180) concerns. Schroeder squashed those concerns after reporting to Manitoba of the AHL late last season, totaling nine points (4 G, 5 A) in 11 games. He’s not expected to make the Canucks’ roster out of camp, but Schroeder’s top-notch speed and playmaking abilities make him a long-term keeper.

Jordan was the Canucks' first-round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He'll return to Minnesota University for his sophomore season, but should join the Canucks farm system in March. This timetable likely eliminates any chance of Schroeder making a fantasy impact this year, but he's an elite prospect and long-term keeper.