The drama surrounding Marco Rossi and the Minnesota Wild has really put both sides to the test. After a long summer, they finally agreed on an extension for the restricted free agent (RFA). However, a new report around the NHL suggests the relationship might not be built to last.
Sometimes a patch is better than an integral solution. That seems to be the thought in Minneapolis, where the Wild finally inked Rossi to a three-year, $15 million deal. The 23-year-old center will now be under contract through the 2027-28 NHL season.
However, a report around the league hints the two sides could part ways before the extension expires. The bridge deal signed in the Twin Cities might only be meant to be short-lived, but perhaps that’s for the best.
“I don’t know if Marco Rossi is going to finish out his term as a member of the Minnesota Wild,” insider Elliotte Friedman stated on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. “But I will bet you three years from now the Wild and Rossi will look back and say ‘it was a good thing that we did this and didn’t let this linger’.”
Marco Rossi #23 of the Minnesota Wild against the New York Rangers at Xcel Energy Center.
The bigger picture
Despite their best efforts to gain leverage, Rossi and Minnesota acknowledged their bidding battle had lasted long enough. Thus, a contract was finally signed. Now, the former first round pick in the 2020 NHL entry Draft won’t miss the team’s training camp.
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It’s in both sides’ best interests. Neither Rossi nor the Wild would have truly benefited from him being absent during the team’s return to the ice later in September. As the 2025–26 NHL season approaches, Rossi can now focus on showcasing his skills and proving he’s worth even more than a $5 million AAV deal.
Time will tell
As it stands, Rossi is now signed to the seventh-highest deal on the Wild’s organization. The Austrian playmaker ranks fourth among Minnesota’s forwards on average annual value, sitting behind Kirill Kaprizov (who is set for an even bigger extension), Matt Boldy, and Joel Eriksson Ek.
SurveyWill Rossi finish out his three-year contract in Minnesota?
Will Rossi finish out his three-year contract in Minnesota?
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Based on his production in the upcoming seasons, Rossi could further climb the salary ladder in Minnesota. However, if things head south instead, the 23-year-old might be headed for the exit door and into a new chapter in the NHL.
