Jordan Schroeder, the College Hockey News choice for National Rookie of the Year, could be among the first 10 players selected in June’s NHL Entry Draft. That’s the opinion of an NHL scout who follows amateur players and describes the Gophers’ forward as a “remarkable kid.”
Schroeder, who was also the WCHA’s Rookie of the Year, led the Gophers in assists with 32 and was second in goals with 13. Although only 18 and not so big at about 5-9, 180, he centered the team’s top line all season, scoring points in 28 of 35 games, including 15 multiple point games.
What makes him special? “I think his greatest asset is his hockey IQ,” said the scout who requested anonymity. “That isn’t to say he hasn’t got a lot of other things because he does. But he isn’t a spectacular guy who is going to wow you every game. …You gotta see him awhile and realize the things he does. …”
The scout said he couldn’t count all the times Schroeder made a key pass leading to an important goal. Impressing him, too, is that with the Gophers, and before then in junior hockey and also at St. Thomas Academy, Schroeder is always a top scorer on the team.
“He scores from places you don’t expect people to score from, and suddenly,” the source said. “And he’s got that instinct when to shoot and everything. …He’s got not only a very hard shot but he’s so quick in getting it away. …”
Concerns? “I think some people will be questioning how he will stand up in the really physical play of the NHL,” the scout said. “But he’s so smart. He’s much stronger than he looks. He’s not big at all. He’s very solid on the skates and very strong. His size is definitely the No. 1 concern they always have. …”
The scout expects Schroeder, who is from Prior Lake, to be drafted at least by the middle of the first round and wouldn’t be “surprised” if he is taken among the top 10 players. He also hopes the team drafting Schroeder will encourage him to stay another year with the Gophers, improving his game and maturing physically.
Eden Prairie High School defenseman Nick Leddy, who won the state’s Mr. Hockey award, is expected to play for the Gophers next fall as a freshman and the scout predicted Leddy, like Schroeder, will probably be drafted in the first round. “Not only can he skate like the wind, but he’s got good puck skills,” he said. “He can handle the puck. He can score a little himself. I think he’s going to be very good.”