The Minnesota Wild remain in a concerning stalemate with young star center Marco Rossi due to significant differences in contract extension talks. Rossi has emerged as a top candidate for a long-term deal, but negotiations with the team have been stalled for weeks.
His tally of 24 goals, 60 points, and an average of over 18 minutes per game during the 2024–25 season makes him an appealing candidate for a new deal. At the same time, other NHL teams are reportedly monitoring the Minnesota forward.
Minnesota offered a five-year, $25 million extension (AAV of $5 million), a proposal Rossi turned down, viewing it as low compared to recent deals like Matt Boldy’s, who earns $7 million annually under a similar agreement. Now, new details are emerging regarding a potential new offer.
What would a potential offer for Marco Rossi look like?
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, it won’t come easy. “I don’t think anyone would be willing to step up and pay; I don’t think they could present any number that would scare off the Wild,” he said via Bleacher Report regarding Rossi’s situation.
The Wild’s stance
The front office has taken a defensive approach, preferring a bridge deal and relying on its RFA rights to match any outside offer. Meanwhile, Seravalli’s comments reinforce the belief that no team would be willing to go high enough to pry the forward away from Minnesota.
Teams showing interest in Rossi
Despite the back-and-forth, Rossi is drawing interest. The Vancouver Canucks reportedly made an offer that was deemed insufficient. The Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens have also shown interest, although the Wild appear ready to match any potential offer sheet.