NHL Trade Rumors: New Team From Metro Division Linked To Wild's Marco Rossi

Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi celebrates goal during 2025 game.

With the clock ticking on Alex Ovechkin’s legendary career, the Washington Capitals are reportedly weighing bold moves to stay in the fight, and one name drawing attention is Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi, according to TSN's Chris Johnston.

The 23-year-old restricted free agent has reached a contract impasse with the Wild, opening the door for suitors like the Capitals to make a serious play. Washington’s front office, led by GM Chris Patrick, has already hinted at the possibility of trading their first-round pick and making a “big hack” at the roster this summer. Rossi, a gifted playmaker and former ninth-overall pick, fits their bill as a high-skill acquisition who could immediately elevate Washington’s top-six depth.

Why Rossi Fits the Capitals’ Vision for the Future

Rossi may be undersized at 5'9", but he plays with fearless intensity, spending over 90% of his shot attempts in high-danger scoring areas. After back-to-back productive NHL seasons—including a 60-point campaign—he’s proven he can thrive even in limited roles.

That’s part of the problem in Minnesota, where Rossi was relegated to the fourth line during the playoffs, sparking frustration and contract tension. Meanwhile, the Capitals are openly searching for a high-skill center to solidify their third line and possibly even play higher in the lineup. If Washington sees Rossi as a long-term piece, it’s easy to imagine them offering up their 2025 first-round pick or a package involving top prospects to get a deal done.

Marco Rossi is reportedly on the trade block.

Who should be interested in the 23-year-old 5'9 centre? #MNWild pic.twitter.com/DfUMXr6jwi
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) May 28, 2025

An Aggressive Summer Awaits in D.C.

Washington already showed a willingness to shake things up last summer by acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jakob Chychrun. With a relatively quiet free-agent market and over $9 million in cap space, trade remains their clearest path to impact upgrades.

Sources suggest the Capitals could pivot away from internal options like Connor McMichael or Hendrix Lapierre if a surefire upgrade like Rossi becomes available. Several teams—including Vancouver, Buffalo, and Utah—are also circling Rossi, but the Capitals’ urgency to contend before Ovechkin retires could give them an edge. If the Wild continue to balk at Rossi’s long-term contract demands, Washington might just pounce.