Minnesota Wild + Marco Rossi extension talks have soured
The Minnesota Wild face a critical offseason with newfound salary cap flexibility after shedding most of the Parise/Suter buyout penalties, giving president of hockey operations Bill Guerin significant room to maneuver for the first time in his tenure. This long-awaited financial freedom comes with immense pressure to make strategic moves, especially securing a long-term extension for Kirill Kaprizov, to position the Wild as perennial Western Conference contenders. Missteps, however, could waste Kaprizov’s prime years.
After the Colorado Avalanche secured Brock Nelson, Guerin’s offseason plans remain unclear, but a trade involving 23-year-old center Marco Rossi appears imminent. Contract talks have stalled, with Minnesota unwilling to offer a long-term deal matching Rossi’s reported $7 million AAV demand, similar to Matt Boldy’s contract. Rossi’s camp, led by agent Ian Pulver, has rejected short-term bridge deals, particularly after Rossi was demoted to the fourth line in the playoffs, averaging just 11 minutes of ice time against Vegas.
Despite Rossi’s strong regular-season performance—24 goals, 36 assists, and 60 points, ranking second on the team in points and assists, third in goals—his postseason role and contract disputes have fueled trade rumors. Over four seasons with the Wild, the 2020 ninth-overall pick has tallied 45 goals and 56 assists in 184 games. Former NHL GM Craig Button emphasized Rossi’s value, noting that “teams are screaming” for a player of his caliber.
The Athletic’s Joe Smith and Michael Russo highlight seven teams as top trade fits for Rossi—Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, Utah Mammoth, and Winnipeg Jets—with seven others as honorable mentions. Vancouver, Calgary, and Utah stand out as prime candidates.
Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks desperately need a top-two-lines center after trading J.T. Miller. Rossi’s 60-point season and even-strength production make him an ideal fit. Vancouver could offer their 2025 15th-overall pick, potentially paired with prospects like Victor Mancini or Nils Höglander, or goaltender Artūrs Šilovs.
Calgary Flames: Seeking young talent aged 18-23, Calgary values Rossi’s versatility at center and wing. They could offer prospects, draft picks, or a roster player like Yegor Sharangovich, though his down year might not appeal to Minnesota.
Utah Mammoth: With coach Andre Tourigny, who coached Rossi in junior and praises his hockey IQ, Utah is a strong suitor. Rumblings suggest they might dangle their No. 4 pick in the 2025 draft for top-six help, making them an attractive trade partner.
Guerin has explored trade options for Rossi since last summer, but offers have yet to meet his expectations. With Rossi’s contract demands and the Wild’s focus on Kaprizov, a trade seems likely before the NHL Draft on June 27-28, 2025. Guerin prefers a top-six forward in return to maintain competitiveness, but a high draft pick, like Calgary’s or Utah’s, could appease fans, though it may not immediately improve the 2025-26 roster.
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