Marco Rossi’s breakout campaign should have solidified his future in Minnesota. Instead, whispers of a trade are growing louder, and fans are left wondering whether the Wild are about to move on from one of their most promising young talents.
Rossi, who was picked ninth overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, finally became a key piece in 2024-25, posting a career-high 60 points. His growth matched Minnesota’s long-term plans, but recent reports have cast doubt on that path. While most of the talk has focused on his fit and performance, new insider info points to other factors on and off the ice.
Wild’s Trade Stance on Marco Rossi Comes Into Focus
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, the Minnesota Wild are open to trading Rossi only if the move helps the team immediately.
“Minnesota has made it very clear. If they’re making this trade, they’re not making their team worse,” Friedman stated. That means the front office is seeking a hockey trade, not a package of future picks or developmental prospects.
This shows the Wild aren’t trying to rebuild. They believe they can still compete in the Central Division. But any deal will be tricky. Rossi’s value is high, and Minnesota needs to be careful not to lose too much forward depth, especially after shifting him around the lineup last season.
Despite his production, Rossi was shifted to the fourth line during the postseason. That demotion was surprising for fans and reportedly disruptive behind the scenes.
In a separate appearance on 102.5 The Game in Nashville, Friedman explained how this late-season decision influenced contract discussions. The Wild reportedly offered Rossi a bridge deal, but his camp declined due to concerns that his playoff deployment could lower his future earnings.
“His representatives said, ‘No offense, but no, because you put him on the fourth line in the playoffs and that could affect our earning potential out of a bridge deal,’” Friedman said.
EDM MIN G43. January 15, 2025. Marco Rossi goal. 2-0 MIN. 🎥: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/bZMwAO8DK6
— Nation Network Media (@NationNMedia) January 16, 2025
More than a financial move, the playoff demotion frustrated Rossi from a competitive standpoint. “I think he was bothered by that, I think he was upset by that,” Friedman added. “These athletes have enormous pride in themselves.”
There is also a growing belief that Rossi wants a larger role. Ideally, he would want top-line center minutes, which he may not be guaranteed in Minnesota with their current roster configuration.
What It Will Take for the Wild To Move Rossi
As free agency approaches, the clock is ticking. If the Wild and Rossi’s camps remain at an impasse, a trade could become the best option for both sides. That said, Minnesota is not in desperate need. The team’s demand for a win-now return makes any potential deal more difficult to finalize.
Should Rossi not be moved before July 1, he may become a target for offer sheets, forcing the Wild’s hand in a different direction. Either way, Minnesota’s message remains consistent. They are willing to listen, but only if the deal benefits them immediately.
