NHL insider Chris Johnston has revealed that the Canucks are indeed interested in the Wild's Marco Rossi, but they may have to compete with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Minnesota Wild are no longer looking to move Marco Rossi for a modest return. Earlier buzz suggested the team might part with the 23-year-old center for someone like Tyson Foerster or a late first-round pick from the Flyers, an idea that sparked plenty of backlash given Rossi's 60-point breakout season.
Now, things are different. Minnesota allegedly turned down a bid from the Vancouver Canucks that included the 15th overall draft pick and a roster player.
The player's identity has not been disclosed, but the fact that Minnesota turned them down so quickly means they're waiting for much more. This aggressive strategy makes sense in the context of a weak center marketplace.
Brock Nelson re-signed in Colorado, Sam Bennett is re-signing with Florida, Matt Duchene inked up in Dallas, and Trevor Zegras was traded to Philadelphia, so there are not many quality top-six centers on the board.
John Tavares, older and highly unlikely to be dealt, is not much of a long-term solution for anyone. All the while, this plays in Minnesota's interest since they have arguably the best center on the market.
Rossi's tenacity, skill, and offensive upside make him an easy fit in any top or middle six. And that's exactly why the Wild could still keep him.
The Hurricanes could now be in the mix competing with the Canucks for Rossi
NHL insider Chris Johnston has recently stated that both Carolina and Vancouver are seen as excellent fits for Rossi, with Carolina even poised to pressure and compete against Vancouver for him.
That being said, Johnston also wondered if Minnesota wouldn't just keep Rossi in-house if the offers aren't strong enough.
Chris Johnston: I could see Carolina and Vancouver being fits for Marco Rossi; I wonder if there's a world they keep him if the offers don't get to that level - Chris Johnston Show
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 24, 2025
'I could see Carolina and Vancouver being fits for Marco Rossi; I wonder if there's a world they keep him if the offers don't get to that level.'- Chris Johnston
If the Wild do proceed with making a trade, it's clear they won't settle, as maximum value is what they want, and they should get it.
-1741577459-q80.webp "Steelers’ Justin Fields Shares 3-Word Message Amid Free Agency Rumors")
-1746840011-q80.webp "Patrick Mahomes' Half-Brother Makes Unexpected Move After Chiefs Tryout")