The Minnesota Wild are in a common NHL offseason predicament: a skilled restricted free agent, growing tension, and time running out. Marco Rossi’s contract dispute has dragged into its second month, with both parties firmly entrenched in their views on his future. What began as routine talks has evolved into a critical moment, challenging how much the Wild truly prioritize their young forward against the cost of his untapped potential.
How Long Can the Wild and Marco Rossi Remain at This Impasse?
Almost a month has gone by with no notable progress between the Minnesota Wild and restricted free agent Marco Rossi. Per Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic, the two parties haven’t spoken since early June. Without an offer sheet on the horizon, this stalemate may persist into September, coinciding with the start of training camp.
The ongoing situation highlights the complexity of these contract talks. Earlier this offseason, the Vancouver Canucks reportedly offered the 15th overall draft pick in a trade package for Marco Rossi, which Minnesota rejected. This move suggests that general manager Bill Guerin highly values the 23-year-old forward, despite their inability to agree on a contract.
In June, Guerin publicly noted he wasn’t eager to trade Rossi but left the door slightly open. However, securing a long-term deal has been difficult. During the season, the Wild offered a five-year, $25 million contract, which Rossi’s camp declined. In response, Rossi’s representatives proposed a short-term bridge deal, but Minnesota also rejected it.
What Dollar Amount Would Finally Break This Contract Stalemate?
The numbers reveal a stark difference in how Marco Rossi and the Minnesota Wild value the young forward. Per Russo and Smith’s latest report, Rossi is pushing for a long-term contract with an annual value of $6 million to $7 million, while Minnesota’s earlier five-year offer averaged $5 million per season.
Though the gap appears narrow, it translates to significant money over a multi-year deal. A short-term bridge contract around $5 million per season could be a compromise, but neither side seems keen on settling. According to Smith and Russo, Rossi is wary of a short-term deal at what he considers below-market value, fearing it could make him more tradable or diminish his role on the team.
The core issue is contract length and value. A bridge deal near $5 million might be the only middle ground unless Bill Guerin reconsiders and offers a long-term deal exceeding $6 million. For now, Minnesota’s hesitation suggests a longer-term agreement is unlikely.
Why Does Rossi’s Playoff Usage Complicate These Contract Talks?
Marco Rossi’s 2024-25 performance underscores the stakes of his contract dispute. His 24 goals and 60 points in 82 regular-season games signal a breakout, justifying his push for a significant deal. However, his playoff ice time plummeting from 18:15 to 11:08 per game raises doubts about Minnesota’s long-term vision for him, likely fueling the ongoing standoff. The sports card above details his full season stats, including 26 goals and 63 points across 88 games, reinforcing his value.
Rossi’s camp seeks a contract matching his production and potential, wary of Minnesota viewing him as a secondary piece. The Wild, constrained by a tight salary cap, must weigh his role against financial realities. With training camp approaching, time remains for a deal, but without fresh talks or compromise on term or value—Rossi’s reported $6-7 million long-term ask versus Minnesota’s $5 million offer—the impasse could drag into the fall, risking his absence from camp and shaping the Wild’s 2025-26 narrative. Neither side shows signs of budging yet.
Source: ProFootballNetwork
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