Likeliest Landing Spot For Wild's Rossi This Offseason

This is finally the offseason the Minnesota Wild can make a big splash and turn into the powerhouse they have been building to be with the huge dead cap hits reduced to minimum. The team does have one individual that they are finding it tough to get re-signed, and that's RFA Marco Rossi.

Rossi has taken big steps over the past two seasons, going from one assist in 19 games in 2022-23, 21 goals and 42 points in 82 games last season, and 24 goals and 60 points in 82 games this season. He'll be 24 years old by the time the 2025-26 season starts and is looking to be a very good top-6 forward for a long time.

The Wild should not be too hesitant to sign Rossi long-term as he has proven he can stay healthy and is improving at a high rate. The only other option down the middle for the top-6 is Joel Eriksson Ek, and that is a solid 1-2 punch. According to reports, Rossi's camp isn't even asking for anything crazy. The ask is apparently around $45-50 million, so on an eight-year deal, that's well below the AAV he would get from other teams. If Rossi makes it to free agency, he will get sent offer sheets.

There have been five teams linked to Rossi if he were to be moved or offer sheeted. Those include the Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Nashville Predators. The likeliest team that I believe Rossi will play for next season is the Wild though. With more centers like Brock Nelson and Matt Duchene re-signing with their teams, there is just such limited to no options that would be an upgrade to Rossi.

The Wild should be set up the middle for next season at least. It is the wings that need more work and have more options to target this offseason such as Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers. Minnesota has nearly $16 million in projected cap space to sign Rossi and a couple of depth pieces, so there is a lot left over if Rossi gets what he deserves from the Wild and they move forward to becoming a real contender.