Jordan Schroeder is making a convincing case for sticking with the Vancouver Canucks when Ryan Kesler returns to the lineup.

Who knows how soon that will happen, although Kesler — the Canucks’ multi-purpose centre who’s rehabbing from off-season shoulder and wrist surgeries — has looked very good in practice.

But Schroeder, the Canucks’ first-round pick (22nd overall) in 2009, has shrugged off the doubts about his ability to make the jump to the NHL and is making the most of his first opportunity to show he belongs.

“I think the main thing is having confidence and gaining confidence up here,” said Schroeder, 22. “That’s the biggest thing because everyone is a good player up here. Just getting a little more comfortable.”

Scott Arniel, the head coach of the Canucks’ AHL affiliate in Chicago, has been watching Schroeder since his call-up 10 games ago. He said Schroeder, who was passed over several times last season when the Canucks called up a forward from the minors, looks like a man on a mission.

“He’s not allowing anybody to find any of the warts on him,” said Arniel on Wednesday from Chicago. “He’s looking confident and obviously feels he belongs.”

The “warts” would largely have to do with Schroeder’s physical stature, an issue that’s dogged him throughout his hockey career. At 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, his frame isn’t what you’d expect to see much in an NHL that’s moving to bigger, more physical players. But Schroeder’s skating is elite — even by NHL standards — and he thinks the game at a high level.

That was certainly showcased on Saturday when Schroeder scored his first two career NHL goals — one on a power play deflection and the other when he snapped in a rebound even-strength.

Since Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault added Jannik Hansen to the existing duo of Schroeder and Mason Raymond three games ago, he created what has to be one of the fastest lines in the league, but also one that’s accumulated eight points over that span. Hansen has scored twice, while Raymond added a goal and three assists.

Although Schroeder’s creativity has begun to show itself — he’s 2-2-4 and has worked his way onto the first power play unit — Vigneault is likely happier with his overall game, something that was deemed seriously deficient when he was sent to the minors early in his first training camp.

Schroeder has been a plus-5 in the 10 games, averaging 14:37 of ice-time, has 12 shots on goal and a 16.7 shooting percentage.

The glaring blemish is in the faceoff circle — where Schroeder is a poor 40.4 per cent.

“Faceoffs are big,” said Schroeder. “They’re really strong on the faceoffs up here. It’s something I work on every day in practice with Manny (Malhotra) and some of the other centres. To be able to start with the puck is huge.”

When Kesler does return, it likely means that Schroeder will have to move to the wing to stay in a top-six forward role.

Arniel used Schroeder a little on the wing in Chicago this season, though he likes him better at centre, and believes he can make the transition.

“If you are an NHL player you’ve got to have the speed, the hands and the game sense,” said Arniel. “He’s got all those. There’s been some question about his size, but if you look at what he’s done since he came up, he’s showed he can play in all conditions. He adjusts to where he is. You look at players like (Brian) Gionta in Montreal or (Martin) St. Louis in Tampa and they show you can be small and still be successful.”