Some coaches and front offices believe that players under six feet tall have a lower ceiling for success in the NHL. Historically, there's been a perception that taller players have an advantage, leading to the stereotype that players under six feet tall may struggle to succeed in the league.
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However, many successful NHL players have been shorter than six feet tall, proving that skill, speed, intelligence, and determination can outperform height. Players like Martin St. Louis (5-foot-8), Theo Fleury (5-foot-6), Alex DeBrincat (5-foot-7), Brayden Point (5-foot-9), and the late Johnny Gaudreau (5-foot-9) have all had significant impacts in the league.
Marco Rossi (5-foot-9) is another player who's experiencing height bias. Bill Guerin wants to have bigger and taller centers down the middle. The Minnesota Wild likely have kept him on short-term contracts and considered trading him because of his height. However, the Wild have solidified their roster for next season and are giving Rossi another chance to build upon his breakout last year.
Gaudreau became one of the league’s most dynamic in his nine seasons with the Calgary Flames. Calgary drafted him in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, and he finished as a point-per-game (PPG) player, scoring 609 points in 602 games. Gaudreau showed his goal-scoring ability when he scored 24 goals in his rookie season -- just three more than Rossi had as a rookie in 2024 -- followed by 30 goals in his sophomore year. Gaudreau was one point shy of being a PPG player in that second season, totaling 78 points in 79 games.
But Gaudreau had his true breakout season in Year 4 of his career (2017-18), becoming a PPG player with 84 points in 80 games and a career-high 60 assists. In the following season, Gaudreau improved his stats, scoring a career-high in goals (36) and assists (63). Gaudreau concluded his career with the Flames when he scored 40 goals and 75 assists for 115 points during the 2021-22 season.
Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2022 offseason. He put a bow on his Jackets career by scoring 134 points in 161 games. Gaudreau's production declined, but he still showed how important he was to Columbus’ offense, making them more competitive and hard to play against. In his own way, Rossi can help carry on the legacy of Gaudreau (as well as the NHL's Short Kings that have come before them) by working to emulate his game.
Gaudreau's legacy is one of greatness and inspiration. His skill, creativity, and determination left an indelible mark on the NHL. His impact on the game has influenced current players like Cole Caufield, who changed his number from No. 22 to No. 13. His journey is a testament to the idea that talented small players can make an impact in the league, and hockey fans will remember that for years.
Rossi is determined to make it big as a small player. “When you’re smaller, you don’t have to be afraid,” Rossi said in a recent interview. “I’m a proud player. I know how good I am. I’m not afraid of anyone. Just don’t take any s—. It’s mental stuff too. You always want to be ready. It doesn’t matter who is in front of you, who is in the corner.”
Rossi's statement serves as a commentary on the nature of NHL competition. It reinforces the idea that success in sports is not solely determined by physical attributes but also by one's mental approach, confidence, and ability to act assertively under pressure. That mindset could inspire fellow players who may face similar challenges and resonate with fans who appreciate the dedication and spirit that players bring to their game.
Rossi offseason training is focused on improving his shot, board battles, and plays from the corners. He's looking to score 30 goals, which would be enough to convince Guerin that he's worthy of a contract extension. Will Rossi get a bridge deal? Or will he get a contract similar to Matt Boldy and Brock Faber?
Can Rossi finally break into the top-six, bumping Ryan Hartman down to the third line? Rossi could play with Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, but not full-time. Could this be the season Rossi takes his rightful place alongside Kaprizov? If Rossi has a sophomore slump, he’ll end up on the third line where he can't beat Hartman for more ice time.
Rossi's journey is a testament to resilience and determination, given how many executives and coaches evaluate small players in the NHL. Despite Guerin's preference for larger centers, Rossi showcased his unique ability with the Wild during the 2023-24 season.
As we approach the 2024-25 season, Rossi has the potential to not only defy the perception about player size but also solidify his place as a valuable asset to the Wild. That would ultimately reshape the narrative surrounding him and reinforce the idea that greatness comes in all shapes and sizes.
