While it looks like things might be heading in the correct direction the ongoing saga between the Minnesota Wild and restricted free agent center Marco Rossi could take an undesired turn this summer.
According to a report on RG Media published on August 21, James Murphy cited an anonymous league source claiming that the Wild could pivot and trade Marco Rossi if he remains unsigned heading into training camp.
The most evident reason for pulling the trigger on a trade is the apparent threat of a Rossi holdout. That possibility was floated by Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects earlier this month.
Cam Robinson: Re Marco Rossi: Training camp will be kinda where rubber meets the road; are you gonna sit out? I think that's maybe the direction it is going in - Sekeres and Price (8/11)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 12, 2025
Now, those comments could be nothing more than hearsay. Earlier this month, GM Bill Guerin was clear that Rossi and Kirill Kaprizov extensions weren’t too far off in the distance. As Guerin told RG on August 13, he felt confident that a deal would get done soon enough.
If Guerin manifested his confidence in getting a deal done, why would he pivot suddenly?
The answer, according to the anonymous source, lies in removing potential distractions. Murphy cited the anonymous source as stating:
“I just don’t see Guerin wanting to deal with that distraction, and if it gets that far, maybe he just parts ways with the kid.”
That attitude would make sense when looking at the drama the Bruins went through last season with Jeremy Swayman. As Cam Robinson noted, Rossi is prepared to hold out much like Swayman did.
That could be a minefield that the Wild may want to completely avoid. Of course, the ultimate decision to move on from Rossi would likely hinge on the potential return for the 23-year-old rising star.
Suitors for the Wilds’ top RFA Marco Rossi
Murphy named the two biggest suitors for Rossi this summer: The Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken.
The Canucks have been reportedly interested in Rossi since the 2025 NHL Draft. However, the club wasn’t able to pull off a trade then.
The other club that’s in hot pursuit of Rossi is the Seattle Kraken. The Kraken are apparently the most interested party in landing Rossi. Per Murphy’s anonymous source, the Kraken are prepared to make the trade happen as soon as possible.
The timeline surrounding the potential trade could be at some point before the start of training camp. If indeed the Wild are keen on avoiding distractions, then there could be a little less than a month before the Wild pull the trigger.
The source also discussed the return for Rossi, stating:
“I think you make McCann the centerpiece of a package going back to Minnesota. He definitely fits what Guerin wants, and he can play center, too, if they need.”
While McCann is older than Rossi, he brings experience, versatility, and cost certainty. Those are qualities that a playoff contender like the Wild need moving forward.
It’s worth pointing out that this entire discussion is hearsay at this point. There isn’t anything concrete at the moment. But RG Media’s sources have been solid in the past. So, there could be a grain of truth to this discussion.