The ongoing trade saga surrounding Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi heated up on Thursday, May 29, as multiple sources stated that the team was entertaining offers for the 23-year-old pending restricted free agent (RFA). Rossi had 24 goals and 36 assists for 60 points in the regular season games, solidifying his attractiveness in the trade market.
What Are Marco Rossi’s Contract Demands?
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta posted Rossi’s alleged salary expectations on X.
“I’m hearing Rossi’s camp is looking for a similar deal to Matt Boldy. All indications are he’s asking for something in the 7×7 range,” Pagnotta wrote.
For context, Matt Boldy signed a seven-year, $49 million extension with the Wild in January 2023, carrying an average annual value of $7 million. Rossi’s camp seeking a similar deal would represent a significant investment for a player who just completed his first full NHL season as a regular contributor.
Further to Anthony’s reporting here, I’m hearing Rossi’s camp is looking for a similar deal to Matt Boldy. All indications are he’s asking for something in the 7×7 range. https://t.co/RNMAXfPVGC
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 29, 2025
According to experts, Rossi’s high wage demands are partially responsible for the Wild exploring the market, and even the Philadelphia Flyers, who had shown overt interest in the forward, have balked at the $49-million price tag.
Other sources have reportedly pointed to Philadelphia’s unwillingness to part with young forward Tyson Foerster or any of their later first-round picks in the upcoming draft as additional reasons against the deal.
The Flyers, who are in the midst of a rebuild under general manager Daniel Briere, appear hesitant to sacrifice key future assets for a player demanding top-six money.
Which Teams Are Interested in Trading for Rossi?
Several other teams have shown varying degrees of interest in Rossi. The Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers have all been linked to the young center.
Given recent developments, the Wild may choose to focus their resources on re-signing superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov, who is also eligible for a contract extension from July 1.
The interest from multiple teams reflects Rossi’s impressive development curve. After being selected ninth overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, the Austrian forward overcame early health challenges, including myocarditis that sidelined him for the entire 2020-21 season. His 60-point campaign in 2024-25 demonstrated he can be a productive top-six forward at the NHL level.
However, hockey reporter Charlie O’Connor noted on Thursday’s PHLY sports podcast that the current positions could simply be a negotiation tactic.
“No, this is negotiating. It’s a negotiation. Now again, this isn’t my report, so I can’t say with certainty that this is correct or not, but this is how negotiations work,” O’Connor said.
The timing of these negotiations is crucial for Minnesota. With the salary cap expected to rise significantly over the next few seasons, locking in young talent now could prove beneficial. However, the Wild must balance Rossi’s demands against their other roster needs and the looming Kaprizov extension, which could command upwards of $10 million annually.
Rossi allegedly fell out with the Wild management after he refused to sign a new contract midseason. He was demoted to the fourth line and his ice time sharply reduced during the postseason as a result. His recent treatment is another factor that could determine whether he remains a Minnesota player.
“Does Rossi, a pending restricted free agent who is offer-sheet eligible, even want to re-sign when it looks like his future in Minnesota isn’t in the top six or on the top power play?” NHL writers Greg Russo and Joe Smith asked while reporting for The Athletic.
The Minnesota Wild suffered a first-round playoff exit for the eighth consecutive time. They lost in six games to the Pacific Division champions, the Vegas Golden Knights. This continued playoff disappointment adds urgency to their offseason decisions, as the franchise seeks to maximize their competitive window with Kaprizov in his prime.
Greg Russo ? From the Athletic. Nice try.