The Calgary Flames are looking to improve their roster, while the Minnesota Wild have become a focal point in this summer’s trade market. Both teams are evaluating options to strengthen their offensive core ahead of the upcoming NHL season.
In this case, Calgary is quietly making moves in an attempt to sign a young, productive center to complement their system. The Flames are going through a rebuilding phase after missing the playoffs last season, which is why starting early in their search for reinforcements is a smart strategy.
With a young core that includes players like Dustin Wolf and Connor Zary, the Flames aim to reinforce key positions, particularly down the middle, with the goal of returning to contention in the competitive Western Conference. In that context, they’ve reportedly set their sights on a Wild forward.
Which Wild forward is on Calgary’s radar?
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the player being closely watched by Calgary is Minnesota’s Marco Rossi. However, LeBrun also noted that the Flames are more focused on centers with size.
Rossi’s agent has stated that there is a “significant gap” between what the player is asking for and what the Wild are offering in contract extension talks, making him a sought-after center for teams like the Flames. Last regular season, he tallied 24 goals and 60 points in 82 games.
Rossi’s situation in Minnesota
Rossi is set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) after finishing his NHL entry-level contract with the Wild. During the winter, Minnesota offered him a five-year, $25 million deal, followed by a smaller offer, but both were rejected by the player and his agent. That scenario has sparked concrete speculation about his future.