Following the first losing season in over a decade, the Minnesota men’s hockey team will have to rebound next year without it’s most potent playmaker, as sophomore Jordan Schroeder has signed an entry level deal with the Vancouver Canucks.

The 22nd overall selection in last years NHL Draft, Schroeder came to terms on an entry level contract worth 2.7 million dollars over three years.

Vancouver is expected to place Schroeder on the Manitoba Moose, Vancouver’s AHL-affiliated team based out of Winnipeg.

Schroeder entered this season as the media’s choice for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Preseason Player of the Year, but failed to match expectations as the center accumulated just 28 points on 19 assists and 9 goals.

The blame cannot be placed entirely on Schroeder, as injuries and previous departures left the center working with constantly shifting lines. Last season Schroeder lost left-winger Ryan Stoa to the NHL and this season he lost right-winger Jay Barriball just five games into the season when the senior suffered a knee injury in a practice collision.

Schroeder finishes his Minnesota career with a total of 73 points, and is the latest in a string of high-profile early departures under the tenure of Gophers head coach Don Lucia.

Sam Lofquist quit the team midseason to play in the Ontario Hockey League, and Lucia has also lost Stoa, Kyle Okposo and Erik Johnson to the NHL before their eligibility at the University had expired.