The Minnesota Wild and 25-year-old forward Jordan Schroeder have avoided player-elected contract arbitration by coming to terms on a one-year deal, according to multiple sources. The deal is a two-way contract, carrying a value of $650,000 in the NHL and $275,000 in the AHL, with $300,000 guaranteed, reports Tim Wharnsby.
While he posted some strong possession stats and rate metrics two seasons ago, he dropped off last year, scoring just two goals and four points in 26 NHL contests. His relative possession fell from 3.81% to -0.24% in that limited sample.
As the two parties appeared destined for arbitration, the Wild waived Schroeder earlier in the week. It was a power move to help the team’s case should they make it to arbitration.
Schroeder passed through waivers unclaimed, making his case for a one-way deal very difficult. That was the fourth time he passed through waivers in the last year. It’s probably no coincidence that the two parties settled on this two-way pact shortly after Schroeder went unclaimed.
Though he’s small of stature, Schroeder brings good speed and vision to the ice. He’s shown that some at the NHL level, but it’s been very apparent in the AHL. Last season with the Iowa Wild, Schroeder posted 14 goals and 34 points in 40 contests. His presence in Iowa could be increasingly valuable for the organization. They have more prospects entering the pro ranks this year than any year in recent memory. Having proven scorers with NHL experience on the AHL roster could help players like Alex Tuch, Mario Lucia, Sam Anas, Adam Gilmour, Pavel Jenys and Chase Lang to make the move to professional hockey a little more smoothly.