At the end of August, Rossi signed with Minnesota through the 2027-28 season on a three-year, $15 million contract, which averages $5 million annually. While it is a considerable amount, it is believed that it does not significantly interfere with the possibility of reaching new agreements.

With Rossi’s signing, the Wild have made it clear that they are in a position to strengthen a core of young players with growth potential. Rossi is a center who has established himself as an emerging prospect and a potential offensive weapon in the league. Meanwhile, the focus remains on left wing Kaprizov and the chances of him staying with Minnesota.

Will Kaprizov continue in Minnesota?

It is very likely that Kaprizov will soon sign an extension in Minnesota and solidify his future as a key piece of the franchise’s offense. NHL insider Frank Seravalli would said he believes Kirill Kaprizov “will sign an extension before the beginning of the season,” as the journalist mentioned on his podcast.

In recent days, owner Craig Leipold confirmed that keeping Kaprizov is the number one priority, stating that the franchise plans to “re-sign him, as no one will offer more money or more years” than the Wild. Along those lines, an outstanding and remarkable contract is expected within the league’s landscape, aiming to establish a long-term bond with Kaprizov as a key player.

What would be the possible offer from the Wild to Kaprizov?

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, Kaprizov’s new contract would be massive, projected to range between $14 and $15 million annually. As for the length of the deal, it is believed the franchise would pursue an eight-year agreement. All of Minnesota’s focus is on finalizing this deal, considering that securing the future of one of their best players is one of the Wild’s most urgent priorities.

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’.”

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.

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.

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.

Rossi’s negotiation with the Wild did not prevent him from becoming a free agent, something that never happened with Marner, who completed a sign-and-trade with the Golden Knights to secure his exit from the Toronto Maple Leafs, a deal that included Nicolas Roy in the exchange.

Rossi’s contract extension with the Wild was for three years, and now Minnesota has secured a key forward for its league aspirations. This starting point for the young center could lead him to be compared with established stars like Marner.

How much does Marner earn compared to Rossi?

Marner’s contract, taken on by Vegas, is an eight-year, $96 million deal, meaning the forward will earn $12 million per year. This figure doubles what Rossi will make with the Wild, who signed a $15 million deal over three years, averaging $5 million annually.

Numbers matched with on-ice production

Rossi reached this deal with Minnesota after a strong season in which he tallied 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists) in 82 games played. Marner, on the other hand, nearly doubled that production by contributing 102 points, ranking as the fifth-highest scorer in the league.

It’s worth noting that Marner’s deal places him among the top five highest-paid players in the NHL for the 2025-26 season. As for Rossi, his contract is a bridge deal following a productive season in Minnesota.

Rossi finished the 2024-25 regular season with 24 goals and 60 points in 82 games, although his ice time dropped significantly in the playoffs, raising questions about his future role with the team. After offers failed to produce a final agreement, it now seems a solution may be within reach.

The Wild appear close to resolving the stalemate with their young center Rossi, who has yet to sign a contract as a restricted free agent. Negotiations seemed stalled until recently, but now there are concrete developments.

An update on Rossi’s situation

“There has been significant progress toward a possible signing of Marco Rossi by the Wild in the coming days. As we’ve been reporting, a bridge deal is the most logical option,” NHL insider Michael Russo reported on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

It is speculated that the most logical agreement would be a bridge deal, a short-term contract that would allow Minnesota to maintain control over the player while evaluating whether to offer a longer-term contract in the future. This type of deal would also allow for a potential future departure if circumstances require.

Other interested franchises

Rossi’s situation has attracted attention from other league teams. The Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken have checked in with Minnesota regarding the status of the negotiations. Both franchises were in pursuit of Rossi during the Draft and have indicated they would re-enter the race if talks with the Wild reach an impasse.

As long as his situation remains unresolved, one possibility is that Rossi could skip training camp — something that, judging by recent precedents, could prove detrimental heading into the upcoming NHL season.

Sportsnet writer Michael Amato brought up a recent case similar to that of the Wild’s rising star. William Nylander, a teammate of Matthews in Toronto, skipped training camp in 2018 — and his performance declined noticeably afterward.

“Back in 2018, William Nylander didn’t settle his new deal until December and ended up having a nightmare campaign,” Amato wrote. “The worst statistical season of his career.”

“If he does (miss training camp), Rossi could be trying to jump on a moving train,” Amato also added.

Rossi’s current situation with the Wild

The Minnesota Wild are locked in a tense contract standoff with their rising star center, Marco Rossi, as the team’s training camp looms closer. As a restricted free agent, Rossi’s camp is reportedly seeking a long-term deal that would cement him as a core piece of the franchise, while the Wild’s front office, led by General Manager Bill Guerin, appears to prefer a short-term bridge contract.

Despite Rossi’s breakout 60-point season, which established him as a key offensive threat, the two sides remain far apart on a financial figure. The impasse has created a cloud of uncertainty, raising concerns among fans that the young forward could potentially hold out and miss the start of the season if an agreement isn’t reached soon.

Nylander’s rough experience

In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, missing training camp can have a tangible impact, and few examples are more telling than William Nylander’s 2018 holdout with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After his contract stalemate stretched into December, Nylander ultimately signed and joined the team, but the missed preparation was starkly reflected in his on-ice performance.

Following two consecutive 61-point seasons, his production plummeted, as he managed just 27 points in 54 games. The statistical drop-off from a 0.74 point-per-game pace to a mere 0.50 was a clear reminder that a full preseason is critical, and a player’s return to form after a long absence is rarely instantaneous.

At the same time, the Wild appear hesitant to commit to a long-term deal at the scale Rossi’s camp reportedly desires. According to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, Rossi’s representatives were rumored to be seeking a seven-year deal worth around $49 million, but Minnesota’s management does not feel comfortable making that commitment at this time.

The standoff has created growing speculation about Rossi‘s participation in the upcoming training camp, raising questions about whether the forward could potentially sit out if a satisfactory agreement isn’t reached.

Could Marco Rossi sit out training camp?

On the latest episode of the Sekeres and Price Show, hosts discussed Rossi’s options, noting that the contract negotiations have stalled over the past two months. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects suggested that Rossi might skip the Wild’s training camp if the situation remains unresolved.

“Training camp will be kind of where the rubber meets the road there. It’s like are you going to come back and play for us at the number we want? Or are you going to sit out?” Robinson explained.

The prolonged discussions leave both parties weighing their next moves. Rossi wants to play for Minnesota, while the team seeks either a favorable contract or a potential return in a trade.

How the Wild are handling the situation

Wild General Manager Bill Guerin has indicated that the team is prepared to match any offer sheet for Rossi, signaling their commitment to retaining him. “We’re prepared. We will match. It’s not an issue with us,” Guerin said. Historical precedent shows that preparation is key when offer sheets are submitted, and Minnesota is ready to respond appropriately.

As training camp approaches, Rossi’s contract situation remains unresolved. If no agreement is reached, a holdout could impact his preparation and performance in the upcoming season, leaving both Rossi and the Wild at a critical decision point.

The Wild currently feature the third-oldest roster in the NHL by average age, according to Elite Prospects. Still, general manager Bill Guerin might believe they are in need for a bigger veteran presence in the locker room and on the ice.

As Rossi remains without a contract in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Kaprizov’s projected contract value continues to rise, the Wild are trying to take their minds off those candid topics in the NHL. However, Minnesota steered away from them only to touch on another scorching theme.

As announced by the organization, the Wild has signed veteran defenseman and Stanley Cup champ Jack Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO). This signing means the 38-year-old blueliner will compete in training camp for a spot on the franchise’s NHL roster next season.

“Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO),” the statement on NHL.com read.

Expected fuss

Although Johnson’s pedigree reads Stanley Cup champion for his contribution to the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, he isn’t precisely widely-acclaimed in the NHL. His offensive numbers won’t blow anybody away, and his defensive production follows a similar trend.

In the NHL, coaches and players seem to be on a carousel, and Johnson’s signing to a professional tryout (PTO) signals just that. Fans are growing tired of the same faces getting chance after chance. They would like to see some fresh legs for a change.

Let’s get Wild

Still, that doesn’t take anything away from a veteran like Johnson. The 38-year-old has earned his spot and will battle to earn a place on the Wild’s opening night roster when training camp and preseason come around.

As for the Wild, they still have an urgent order of business to get done before the 2025–26 NHL season kickstarts. Re-signing Rossi is at the top of the list, along with extending Kaprizov’s contract. Once that’s taken care of, the puck will drop, and the chase for the first Stanley Cup in the State of Hockey will be back on.

At just 23 years old, Rossi is coming off a breakout 2024-25 season, tallying 24 goals and 60 points—an improvement of 20 points over the previous campaign. Drafted ninth overall in 2020, Rossi has steadily established himself as a top-six forward and a key part of Minnesota’s future plans.

General manager Bill Guerin stated on July 1: “We’d rather make a deal with Marco,” according to NHL.com. While Guerin didn’t explicitly call it the final task of the offseason, the urgency to resolve the contract before training camp is clear, especially as negotiations have stalled since early June.

How far apart are Marco Rossi and the Wild on contract value?

Reports indicate Rossi is targeting a long-term deal with an average annual value (AAV) between $6 million and $7 million. Analytics group AFP projects his market value at approximately $7.4 million annually on a seven-year contract. However, Minnesota’s cap situation appears to limit their offer closer to $5 million per year, creating a notable financial impasse.

A possible compromise could be a short-term bridge contract worth around $4.5 million annually for two years, allowing the Wild roster flexibility while retaining Rossi. As of now, neither party has signaled a willingness to move toward such a deal, prolonging the stalemate.

Could a trade end the Rossi contract stalemate?

Trade speculation has intensified amid the contract deadlock. While some analysts floated the idea of an offer sheet from another club, NHL insider Frank Seravalli described that as “very unlikely at this point.” Still, Seravalli did not completely rule out a trade, leaving open the possibility if negotiations remain stalled.

While many are hoping for a happy ending for both sides, the reality is that neither Rossi nor the Wild have made concrete progress toward what could be a lucrative contract extension.

Days ago, reporters Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic shared an eye-opening update that could raise concerns among fans in Minnesota: according to them, the two sides have not spoken since early June and, with no sign of an offer sheet coming, the standoff may continue until the start of training camp in mid-September.

At this point, the only concrete offer came from the Vancouver Canucks, who proposed a trade involving the 15th overall pick — an offer the Wild ultimately turned down.

Wild confident they can reach a deal

The Minnesota Wild know they can’t afford to part ways so easily with one of the most promising players on their roster. And while there’s still no clarity on how things will unfold, there’s growing confidence within the organization that a reasonable agreement can be reached.

“There clearly is a difference of opinion with respect to Marco’s value,” Rossi’s agent, Ian Pulver, told Russo in June. “We will continue in good faith to engage the Wild to attempt to reach resolution. We understand that Billy likes Marco, but for how much? And in what role going forward? (That) is the subject of great debate.

“Like the Wild, we believe we have advanced very fair and reasonable contract proposals. What the future holds for Marco and the Wild, only time will tell.”

Marco Rossi has steadily grown into one of the Minnesota Wild’s most promising young centers, combining sharp playmaking with a relentless work ethic that has cemented his spot in the lineup.

Since arriving in the NHL, he has navigated the challenges of adaptation while showcasing the skill set that made him a top draft pick. His rise has been a bright spot in the franchise’s long‑term plans for contention.

His current deal reflects his early career stage, but his performances suggest a bigger payday is on the horizon. Understanding his contract sheds light on his value and the team’s investment in his future.

What was Marco Rossi’s salary with the Minnesota Wild?

Marco Rossi has played the final year of his three-year entry-level contract, signed in October 2020. His base salary was approximately $832,500, with a cap hit around $863,333 in the 2024–25 season, according to Spotrac.

That contract also included performance-related bonuses, raising his total annual compensation up to about $1.6 million if all clause thresholds were met. Despite recording over 60 points last season, his salary remained modest.

Marco Rossi’s contract: How long will he stay in the team?

Marco Rossi became a restricted free agent after the 2024–25 season, as the Wild extended a qualifying offer to retain his negotiating rights. Negotiations between the team and his camp have stalled.

Reports in mid‑2025 note a significant gap in contract valuation, with him having declined a longer-term bridge deal earlier in the offseason, according to sources like Axios.

While Minnesota retains the ability to match any offer sheet from other teams, his future remains uncertain. Whether he re-signs, tests restricted free agency, or draws trade interest, his status looms as a pivotal offseason variable for the franchise.

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.