The seven-year, $49 million question plaguing general manager Bill Guerin and the Minnesota Wild this summer is what to do with restricted free agent Marco Rossi? It appears that they are at an impasse when it comes to a new contract, and there have been loud whispers that the center might be on the trade block over the next few months. With the draft looming, could another potential bidder for his services have emerged?
Earlier this week, the New York Rangers informed the Pittsburgh Penguins that they would be sending them their 2025 first-round pick in order to complete the the three-team deal that saw the Rangers land J.T. Miller. New York had the option of surrendering this year's pick or deferring to 2026.
For those that might not recall, the Rangers acquired Miller, Erik Brannstrom, and Jackson Dorrington for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and the first-round pick. Vancouver then flipped the pick, Danton Heinen, Vincent Desharnais, and Melvin Fernstrom to Pittsburgh for Drew O'Connor and Marcus Pettersson. Now, with New York releasing the condition on the pick and making it a 2025 selection, the Penguins have the 11th and 12 picks in the draft.
So, does Kyle Dubas want to use those picks on players that might not show up in Pittsburgh until after Sidney Crosby retires, or will he be willing to send one to Minnesota in exchange for a 23-year-old forward who could thrive on one of the top two lines for Pittsburgh? If Rossi is set on signing a deal that mirrors Matt Boldy's 7-years, $49 million deal, the Penguins are a team that can fit that under their cap.
With the deal, Dubas can bring in a young scorer that can play in his top-six, and help keep the goals pouring in if Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell are moved in separate deals this summer. He's shown that he's willing to trade for young players who might not be happy in their current situation as he pulled off the Brayden Yager for Rutger McGroartry deal last summer with Winnipeg.
For the Wild, it would be a nice return for a player that might have worn out his welcome in Minnesota. Guerin would also have a little bit more money to improve his team as had likely budgeted $6-$7 million over the next eight years for Rossi. It also frees up a spot on the top-six for a free agent like Brock Boeser to be signed over the summer.
Guerin could use the pick to add to Minnesota's robust prospect pool. It might not be the deepest draft of the last ten years, but there would be some quality players available in the 11th or 12 slot. He could also flip the pick to help his quest to build up the depth at the center position.
Things are starting to get interesting as the draft draws near. Expect the Wild to be one of the more active teams over the next few days as they try and figure out how to get over the first-round playoff hump.