NHL Free Agency: Marco Rossi & Minnesota Wild 'In Total Shutdown Mode'
A major difference in opinion on his value from Marco's side vs. what the Wild feel he's worth...Right now they're in total shutdown mode; I don't think they've had a conversation in three or four weeks; they were, I think, playing a game of chicken to see if he can sign an offer sheet.
Rossi turned down a five-year offer from Minny at a $5 million AAV back during the season. But the comps don't add up, his agent will argue, as Russo points to recent deals signed by Matt Coronato (seven years at $6.5M AAV with the Calgary Flames), and Gabe Vilardi (six years @ $7.5M).
Minnesota Wild & Marco Rossi in a huge difference of opinion in contract talks
The Wild, says Russo, are not going to give Rossi a deal that would surpass their young offensive star Matt Boldy, who's in the middle of a seven-year, $7M AAV, and "I don't even think they want to go in the $6M range," he adds.
Russo figures that Wild GM Bill Guerin "is trying to make him sweat here," while everyone waits to see if an offer sheet is coming. Otherwise, it appears that talks won't resume until next month.
A bridge deal probably doesn't appeal to Rossi, for a couple of reasons: With no trade protection, he'd be worried about getting dealt somewhere he doesn't want to be; and, his demotion to the fourth line in the playoffs might leave him wondering how much he'll be able to build up his value in the next couple of years if the Wild continue to mess with his ice time and place in the lineup.
Rossi had a nice second full year in the league, with 24 goals and 60 points in 18:15 average ice time. But in the postseason, he was held down to just 11 minutes per night, yet still did score two goals in the Wild's six games.
It might be a while before we see either side blink on the Rossi front.
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