The stalemate between Marco Rossi and the Minnesota Wild is getting more interesting by the day. As an expert who’s seen countless contract disputes, this one has all the makings of a classic holdout that could go down to the wire. The fact that the two sides haven’t spoken since early June is a significant red flag. While there’s no immediate pressure of an offer sheet from a rival team, the December 1st deadline looms large, if no contract is signed, Rossi will be forced to sit out the season. We all remember how the William Nylander situation with the Maple Leafs played out.
A Sticking Point on Value and Term
So, what’s the holdup? It all comes down to money and term. Rossi’s camp is reportedly looking for a long-term deal in the $6 million to $7 million AAV range. This isn’t surprising for a player who has shown flashes of top-tier talent. However, the Wild’s perspective is also understandable. Rossi is a good player, but is he a $7 million player right now?
The reported five-year, $25 million offer that Rossi rejected last season suggests the team sees his value closer to the $5 million mark. A short-term “bridge” deal at around $5 million annually seems like a logical compromise, but it’s clear Rossi is looking for a long-term commitment.
Is a Trade on the Horizon?
Wild GM Bill Guerin is playing his cards close to the vest. He’s not actively shopping Rossi, but he’s not hanging up the phone either. The reported offer from the Vancouver Canucks of the 15th overall pick in the 2025 draft for Rossi tells us that other teams see his potential. If this stalemate continues, a trade could become a very real possibility.
Keep a close eye on this situation as we get closer to training camp; it’s a game of chicken, and someone will have to swerve first. This is the kind of Marco Rossi news that could shape the Wild’s future.
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