NHL Trade Rumors: Canadiens & Wild Becoming Trade Partners

The Montreal Canadiens may be setting up for a major offseason move, with multiple reports linking them to Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi. 

With the Wild facing a looming salary cap crunch, the 23-year-old’s name has emerged in credible trade rumors—prompting speculation that Montreal could be positioning itself for a serious run at the promising young pivot.

Rossi, a restricted free agent coming off a breakout 60-point season, has been quietly dangled by the Wild due to future cap pressure, especially with new deals expected for stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Filip Gustavsson. Despite Rossi’s production and youth, the Wild's long-term hesitation could open the door for interested clubs.

A Perfect Fit for Montreal's Center Needs

The Canadiens’ desire to land a second-line center is no secret. According to Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette, that position remains the top priority heading into the summer. While free agent options like John Tavares or Matt Duchene could command short-term, high-cost deals, Rossi presents a younger, long-term solution who fits the team’s timeline and style under coach Martin St. Louis.

With the likelihood of Marco Rossi being moved out of Minnesota increasing, here's how I'd rank the top-10 most likely squads to acquire him this offseason.

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/dFVhGMoLYf

— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) May 21, 2025

Rossi's profile—a smaller but highly skilled and gritty center—aligns well with Montreal’s young core. If the Canadiens decide not to pursue him via trade, there’s even chatter of a potential offer sheet.

What a Trade Might Cost

Proposed deals have included names like Kirby Dach, Owen Beck, and one of Montreal’s multiple 2025 first-round picks. Another possibility floated is a one-for-one swap involving defenseman David Reinbacher, which could appeal to Minnesota’s front office as they reshape their blue line.

The rumors of Marco Rossi being on the block are crazy to me if they’re true. You draft a legit 1C and then trade him in his prime at 24 y/o? Would be a braindead move IMO now that Minnesota can actually contend without that dead cap.#mnwild pic.twitter.com/cHGFigsGtg

— Puckmarks (@puckmarks) May 14, 2025

No deal appears imminent, but with the Wild open to moving Rossi and the Canadiens exploring center options, this is one rumor with real legs heading into the offseason.

Photo Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images