Vancouver paper: Schroeder to decide on staying or going this week

Hard to blame Gophers center Jordan Schroeder if he wants to leave. He had a tough season, Minnesota had a tough season.

And his decision could come in a few days. He told a reporter from the Vanouver Sun he will decide on whether he turns pro or stays another season at Minnesota by the end of the week.

It's spring break and Schroeder has plenty of time on his hands. No hockey anymore. The FInal Five is this week, but the Gophers are out of it.

"I am going to hang out with these guys for a little bit here," Schroeder said, referring to his teammates when asked about his future after Sunday's season-ending 4-1 loss to North Dakota. "Enjoy the time with them and then we will go from there."

Maybe go pretty far.

Can he move leave his disappointment over the Gophers being spectators at the X out of his decision. I hope so, for his sake. It's very easy to fall into the trap that it's better somewhere else.

But if you sign and find yourself not with the Canucks but with their affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, will that be better for your career?

Schroeder said the Canucks want to sign him.

Among the key questions to ponder, if I were his adviser, would be these:

* How good a deal are they offering? How much money or is the amount all slotted out for first rounders? How much of a chance is there to play in the NHL this season or next?

* Is playing for Moose better than playing for U? Working on a college degree? The Moose, a team based in Winnipeg, is made up mostly of Canadians? Do you speak Canadian, eh? The Moose's regular-season ends in mid-April and then there are playoffs. Don't they go on endlessly? Don't you need a long break from hockey after World Juniors and this darn season?

You will be the smallest forward on the Moose, too, at 5-9? Here Jacob Cepis, your linemate who is 5-8 can look up to you. And we all know he is only 5-7.

The Moose are fourth in the North Division of the Western Conference of the AHL. Right behind them in fifth is the Lake Erie Monsters, Ryan Stoa's team. Call Ryan, your linemate last season, and see what he says about the AHL.

And one other small piece of advice Jordan. You're a smart kid. You accelerated to get the U a year early. If you do decide to come back, make sure of your decision. You can't have any regrets or doubts.

You will be counted on to be a team leader again, and you need to be all in. This team will have a lot of new faces and the job of turning the Gophers' ship around won't be easy.

Good luck Jordan whatever you choose to do.