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Canucks Linked Again to Wild’s Former First-Round Pick in Trade Push

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 12:48 PM ET

The Vancouver Canucks are back at the table with renewed interest in Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi as he approaches restricted free agency on July 1.

Talks between the two clubs have ramped up again after an earlier attempt during the season fell short. Patrick Johnston of the Vancouver Province wrote on Thursday that the Canucks are "hot" after Rossi.

According to Johnston, Vancouver is offering the 15th overall pick in next week’s NHL Draft and an additional player to pry Rossi out of Minnesota.

The Wild, however, are pushing for a more immediate return and, according to Mike Russo of The Athletic, general manager Bill Guerin "has made it clear that he doesn’t want to make his team worse."

Canucks talked trade for Minnesota Wild's Marco Rossi https://t.co/cMfEeSXOP0 pic.twitter.com/hn0jlW3QFd
— The Province (@theprovince) June 20, 2025

"To trade Rossi, Minnesota would want to receive an NHL player who can replace the 60 points they’d be trading away," Russo reported.

Despite finishing with 60 points in 82 games, Rossi found himself buried on the fourth line during key stretches and into the playoffs.

"The Canucks’ interest in Rossi has been reported for a while," Johnston wrote. "It’s believed Rossi became disillusioned with his role on the team."

Rossi’s future in Minnesota has been in question since late last season, when friction emerged over his role, leading to both sides failing to reach an agreement for a contract extension.

Russo reported that the Wild offered Rossi a five-year deal worth about $5 million annually, which was rejected by the player.

According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, Rossi is reportedly looking for something closer to a seven-year, $49 million deal. That's led the Wild to explore trade options.

If he ultimately lands in Vancouver, Rossi would slide in behind Elias Pettersson at the center position manning the second line as a top-six forward for the Canucks in a role closer to his preference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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