Jordan Schroeder
Minnesota
Statistics: 13-32—45

If freshman forward Jordan Schroeder felt any pressure assuming the role as the Next Big Thing at the University of Minnesota, he certainly didn't show it.

The Prior Lake, Minn., native quickly asserted himself as the Gophers' top centerman and got better as the year progressed. Schroder, a virtual lock to be among the top 12 players selected in this summer's NHL Entry Draft, had at least one point in 28 of the 35 games in which he played and was held scoreless in consecutive games on just two occasions. The nation's leading freshman point-getter, Schroeder led the WCHA in assists and ranked fifth in the conference in scoring.

Statistics don't adequately tell the story of his importance to his team. Schroeder's playmaking skills are a primary reason why Ryan Stoa had a career year and Jay Barriball bounced back after a lackluster sophomore season. In short order, opponents identified keeping Schroeder in check as the key to stopping the Gophers' offensive attack.

While teams on the Gophers' schedule next season would breathe a sigh of relief if Schroeder were to embark on a professional career, it'd be a treat to be able to put off the search for the Next Big Thing for at least one more year.

Runner-up: Kieran Millan, Boston University