The Minnesota Wild made a calculated move by signing 23-year-old center Marco Rossi to a three-year, $15 million contract, ending trade rumors with teams like the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks. The deal, announced Friday, shifts focus from speculation about Rossi’s future to his potential role with the team.
Analyst Justin Godfrey noted that trade chatter has quieted, with reactions to the contract largely positive, though some question whether Rossi can establish himself as a top-six center.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli, on B/R Open Ice on August 22, called the deal a “fair middle ground.” He explained that the Wild explored trades but found no offer meeting their need for immediate roster help, making retention the better option. Seravalli noted, “Minnesota wasn’t opposed to keeping Rossi, but they avoided a long-term commitment like Matt Boldy’s seven-year, $7 million per year deal.” The three-year term offers flexibility for both sides.
The contract extends through Rossi’s age-26 season, covering one year of restricted free agency (RFA). It includes a rising annual average value (AAV), leading to a $6 million qualifying offer in 2028. With the NHL salary cap expected to rise, this may be manageable if Rossi develops into a reliable middle-six center.
The Wild likely resisted a longer deal to maintain cap flexibility, while Rossi secures a platform to prove himself. The focus now is on Rossi contributing to a playoff push, with his performance critical to justifying the deal and silencing doubters.
Source: GonePuckWild.com
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