NHL Rumors: Wild's Marco Rossi Linked To Penguins, Per Insider

Questions about Marco Rossi’s future with the Minnesota Wild surfaced after their early playoff elimination. 

The 23-year-old center was linked to trade rumors earlier in the season, but Wild GM Bill Guerin dismissed those talks last December. However, with Rossi seeing time on the fourth line late in the year, some are unsure about his long-term role in Minnesota. 

As a restricted free agent (RFA) completing his entry-level deal, he could attract offer sheets if contract negotiations with the Wild stall this offseason.

This uncertainty led Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski to explore whether the Penguins might pursue Rossi. 

Kingerski suggests the young center could be a strong fit for Pittsburgh’s retooling roster, especially with Evgeni Malkin likely retiring after next season, leaving a gap at second-line center.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has avoided long-term UFA deals, preferring to acquire RFAs via trade rather than offer sheets. Kingerski notes that Pittsburgh may need to part with significant assets—such as their lottery-protected 2026 first-round pick or a top-six winger like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell—to land Rossi.

If the Wild shop Rossi this summer, the Penguins won’t be the only suitors. Teams in need of a second-line center, including the Bruins, Sabres, Canadiens, Islanders, Flyers, and Canucks, could also enter the mix.

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