NHL Rumours: Future of Minnesota Wild RFA Forward

It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re into the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, teams that have been eliminated are trying to figure out their next steps. The focus for these eliminated teams now shifts on tweaking their rosters. Some clubs will be making additions. However, others will be trying to keep key components on the roster.

One team that wants to keep one of their vital players is the Minnesota Wild. This edition of NHL rumours deals with them trying to retain one of their important restricted free agent forwards.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Minnesota Wild Trying to Decide Future of RFA Forward

Rumour: Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic summed up the Wild’s exit interviews. The topic of forward Marco Rossi and his future with the team was mentioned.

Analysis: The 23-year-old seemingly took a big step in his development. Rossi netted a career-high 24 goals this season, which was the second straight campaign of 20 goals or more.

The Austrian is an RFA on July and the Wild would love to bring him back. Despite playing on the fourth line in the playoffs, Rossi outplayed other bottom-six centre Freddy Gaudreau.

This could complicate things when it comes to talks between the two sides. Russo and Smith reported that Rossi got a five-year contract offer in the winter. However, he didn’t accept the deal.

One wonders what a new offer will look when the two sides get together to hash out a new deal. Will Rossi want to take a shorter-term deal in order to take a big swing on a new deal if takes a two or three-year deal? However, he could want the security of a long-term contract in his next contract.

What It Means

One of Wild General Manager Bill Guerin‘s first priorities will be signing Kirill Kaprizov to a new contract. The Russian forward will be eligible for a contract extension on July 1. Many think he’ll be getting a massive payday that will rival the contracts of Leon Draisaitl and Auston Matthews.

However, answering the Rossi question could be the first thing that Guerin tries to handle this off-season. The Wild do have more financial freedom with the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter being massively reduced. However, it doesn’t give them license to throw that money at people.

Some of that money has already been accounted for with the extension for Brock Faber. They’ll also likely have to pony up a massive pay upgrade for Kaprizov.

It could be a tough chore to balance things out for Guerin when it comes to finding money to pay everyone. We could see Rossi getting traded to another team in order to save space and to get assets.

A talented young skater with his upside could get a nice haul. The move could also give the team some more breathing room when it comes to salary cap space. Rossi told the media that he’s not worried about being traded, but it could be a possibility.