is there any difference between him and Schroeder? perhaps more skilled?
This is actually a great question.
I think Schroeder is a much higher calibre of player at the same age. Consider that Schroed played US Junior National team, and produced. Then consider that J Schroeds was a 1st round pick and was picked lower because of his size, also he was a product of NCAA.
Valk on the otherhand, undrafted, produced at a 45-45 rate as a 20/21 year old in the Dub. He obviously benefited from being older then the competition.
There are key tangible differences. The main similarity is that they are both undersized for the NHL.
Differnences:
1) Schrods was a passer, Valk seems to have the ability to put the puck in the net, evidences by his 47 goal season and his performance so far in the Canucks camp.
2) They are coming from two opposite scenarios.
Schroeder, had immense pressure to make it in the NHL as an undersized NHL player, he was destined for failure, as Henrik, Kesler and Hodgson were all ahead of him on the depth chart, and Schroeder could have really only excelled if used as an offensive top 6 forward. The only scenario, that could have worked for Schroeder is if he played as our 2nd line center, surrounded by excellent scoring forwards. I think he ended up playing with Higgins and Hansen. Which isn't the role which he could have succeeded at. In summary, he was destined for failure in the NHL and had substantially more pressure on him then Valk.
Valk is in a do-or-die scenario (i know he's only 21) where nobody truley believes he will be a NHL. He basically is trying to utilize his one skill, which is sniping goals. His scenario is much more beneficial as a player. At Canucks Prospects camp, there was a definate lack of scoring from our top prospects, so him being able to put pucks in the net made him newsworthy. His continuance to put pucks in at Canucks scrimmage is also a good sign. If he can carry it into the pre-season, I think the canucks will offer him a K.
Essentially,
1) Schroeder is the better overall hockey player.
2) Passer v Scorer
3) Scroeder set up for failure, Valk is in a nothing to lose scenario. Valk fills a need for the Canucks, a scorer. Whereas Schroeder was forced into a role that never fit him in the first place.
4) Valk could end up being the better NHLer, and it right now hinges on him scoring goals in the pre-season and then potentially having a good season with Utica.
IMO, that is the difference between Valk and Schroeder.