NHL Trade News: Minnesota Wild secure Marco Rossi with 3-year, $15 million deal

The Minnesota Wild have re-signed restricted free agent center Marco Rossi to a three-year, $15 million contract, ending months of speculation about his future with the franchise.

The deal carries a $5 million annual cap hit and comes after Rossi’s breakout season, where he established himself as one of Minnesota’s most important young forwards. The extension also provides the Wild stability as they navigate critical roster decisions moving forward.

Minnesota Wild commit to Marco Rossi with 3-year, $15 million NHL contract

Rossi, 23, was coming off his entry-level contract and entered restricted free agency this summer amid trade rumors and questions about the Wild’s willingness to invest in him long term.

Drafted ninth overall by Minnesota in 2020, Rossi posted career-best numbers last season with 24 goals and 36 assists for 60 points in 82 games. His production ranked second on the team in scoring behind Matt Boldy’s 73 points and placed him third in goals, trailing Boldy (27) and Kirill Kaprizov (25).Despite the uncertainty, Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin repeatedly emphasized Rossi’s importance to the club, stating he would match any potential offer sheet.

Instead of extending negotiations into training camp, both sides agreed to a three-year bridge contract that balances Rossi’s rising value with the team’s cap flexibility.

Impact of Marco Rossi’s contract on Minnesota Wild’s NHL roster decisions and future

The signing puts an end to months of speculation that Rossi could be moved after his name surfaced in trade talks around last season’s deadline. By securing the young center, the Wild strengthened their top-six forward group while buying time to evaluate Rossi’s continued development before a longer-term deal.The timing of the extension is also significant for Minnesota’s broader roster outlook. By committing to Marco Rossi on a three-year, $15 million contract, the Wild ensured stability at center while maintaining salary cap flexibility. This move allows Rossi to continue developing into a consistent offensive presence as Minnesota looks to build on its 97-point season that ended in a first-round playoff loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.By securing Marco Rossi, the Wild have solidified their core and ended months of uncertainty about one of their brightest young players. The deal gives Rossi a chance to further prove himself while allowing Minnesota flexibility as they prepare for critical decisions on Kaprizov and the team’s long-term direction.Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Seattle Kraken linked to trade talks for Minnesota Wild’s Marco Rossi