Jordan Schroeder Jersey Card

When the playoff contenders made their moves at the trade deadline, everybody was debating who won or lost trades; arguably, one team who won when they added depth was the Minnesota Wild, which means that one player who had made his place with them (admirably filling in for veteran Matt Cooke), Jordan Schroeder, has lost a bit, not having suited up since March 6th despite 3 goals, 7 points, and a +2 rating in 18 games this winter.

The former Vancouver Canucks first rounder awaits his turn, patiently biding his time until he can return to the line-up while players who were scratched by bottom-dwelling teams (Sean Bergenheim with the Florida Panthers, Chris Stewart with the Buffalo Sabres) audition for a permanent spot in the NHL as their contracts both expire at season's end.

There's usually something to be said about team chemistry, but the Wild don't care, as they're riding Devan Dubnyk's coattails straight to to postseason.

I do think Schroeder's play was appreciated by his hometown team, and I'm confident he'll see some ice time in the playoffs, and probably make the team from training camp next season.

In the meantime, here he is wearing the Canucks' white (away) uniform, from Upper Deck's 2013-14 SP Game-Used Edition (card #RF-SC of the Rookie Fabrics sub-set), featuring a big blue jersey swatch from a photo shoot:

I think his speed and hockey sense will keep him in the big show for a while, even on a fourth line. I, for one, would rather have a skilled fourth line than a slow, rugged one in today's NHL.