Article: Marco Rossi's Contract Won't Silence the Trade Whispers

[Chris Schad]

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[Citizen Strife]

Guerin's moves suggest that if someone of high enough value comes on the market, the Wild can make offers.  If Rossi has to be part of that package, it depends on the stature of said player and whether or not it is a no-brainer move.

In the meantime, Rossi and others can develop and maybe be those immovable impact players themselves.  Having options has been a foreign concept for Wild GMs.

[LoganPk63]

Great signing… now it’s time to talk about something else. Don’t you all think?

[mnhockeyfan03]

I still think a Rossi trade is coming sometime this season and think it might be with PITT, BUF, DET or NYI as part of a bigger trade.  I could see Rossi, Zeev or Faber, a first and something going to PITT for Rakell and Crosby if Crosby wants to move or it would just be Rakell.  I think this trade deadline will be very big and we could see big shakeups with Rossi, spurgeon, Brodin all parts of deals.  Watch out for Barzal and Lee from the islanders.  I am guessing with this new contract Billy’s phone will be active with teams looking to improve.  In Billy’s press conference he said yes Rossi he sees as a top 6 forward but if or anyone doesn’t perform we have to look at adjusting or making other changes.  I still think a much bigger move is coming sometime this year not just with Rossi but a few other guys.  Abd please Billy don’t handcuff this team paying Kap over $13mm.  If he wants more let’s trade him. 

[Paup]

Great move for the Wild.....and lots of options in the future with Rossi, depending on his play and stats. 

To me, Rossi is a 3rd line center in the Western Conference, especially in the Central.  But can definitely play 2nd line minutes when needed in the regular season.  Come playoffs, definitely only a 3rd line C.

But I believe Rossi is a 2nd line C in the Eastern Conference, in either the regular season or playoffs. 

In my opinion, an Eastern Conference team will make a move for him at some point this year.

All just my opinion of course🤘

*And I like Rossi's game, he just needs to be more physical.  So, needs to get a nutritionist and a strength coach💪

[Citizen Strife]

2 hours ago, mnhockeyfan03 said:

I still think a Rossi trade is coming sometime this season and think it might be with PITT, BUF, DET or NYI as part of a bigger trade.  I could see Rossi, Zeev or Faber, a first and something going to PITT for Rakell and Crosby if Crosby wants to move or it would just be Rakell.  I think this trade deadline will be very big and we could see big shakeups with Rossi, spurgeon, Brodin all parts of deals.  Watch out for Barzal and Lee from the islanders.  I am guessing with this new contract Billy’s phone will be active with teams looking to improve.  In Billy’s press conference he said yes Rossi he sees as a top 6 forward but if or anyone doesn’t perform we have to look at adjusting or making other changes.  I still think a much bigger move is coming sometime this year not just with Rossi but a few other guys.  Abd please Billy don’t handcuff this team paying Kap over $13mm.  If he wants more let’s trade him. 

None of that for Crosby, unless you can magically de-age him 10 years.

You want to even trade Kap now?  Sheesh.

[Burnt Toast]

2 hours ago, mnhockeyfan03 said:

$13mm

That would beat Rossi’s signing for team friendly. I’ve heard as high as $18M AAV. I’m thinking closer to $15. Unless the Wild want to reset their “window” they’ll need to Stop Drop and Roll out the cash. 

[mnhockeyfan03]

56 minutes ago, Citizen Strife said:

None of that for Crosby, unless you can magically de-age him 10 years.

You want to even trade Kap now?  Sheesh.

If Kap wants more than $13mm he has to understand he is only hurting the team and we won’t win the cup if he is making 15-16. Find commercials for him to fill in the rest. So yes if he wants more than $13mm I see what I can get for him. 

[mnhockeyfan03]

52 minutes ago, Burnt Toast said:

That would beat Rossi’s signing for team friendly. I’ve heard as high as $18M AAV. I’m thinking closer to $15. Unless the Wild want to reset their “window” they’ll need to Stop Drop and Roll out the cash. 

No player besides mcdavid and McKinnon are worth that.  Sorry but Kap cannot control and take over the game like they can.  Kaps comp is rantanen who just signed for $12mm in Texas so in MN taxes it’s $13mm

[Citizen Strife]

You're forgetting the important thing here: Kap is the unequivocal best player the Wild have ever had.  If he (or more likely his agent) says it takes $14m, $15m, $16m, the Wild kinda have to.de 

Minnesota can't buy free agent or trade luck.  It happened once in 25 years with two players a tier below his talent level.  Yes, you can say "Well Kap hasn't won shit either.". But if Kap won't stay for any price, you want to take your chances convincing any other Top 10 talent to show up instead?

Edited August 23 by Citizen Strife

[mnhockeyfan03]

1 minute ago, Citizen Strife said:

You're forgetting the important thing here: Kap is the unequivocal best player the Wild have ever had.  If he (or more likely his agent) says it takes $14m, $15m, $16m, the Wild kinda have to.de 

Minnesota can't buy free agent or trade luck.  It happened once in 25 years.  Yes, you can say "Well Kap hasn't won shit either.". But if Kap won't stay for any price, you want to take your chances convincing any other Top 10 talent to show up instead?

Understand but he is still hurt a lot and only getting older.  I will take 2 really good players at $7-8mm each than 1 player in Kap at 14-15.  It’s a team.  I say do 3-4yrs at $13mm or trade him to the highest bidder who he wants to go to.  If we pay 14-16mm this team is screwed.  In my opinion no player should be making over $10mm in this league to build out a deeeep team.  

[Dango]

Kaprizov is the kind of guy that will fight through injuries as if they're minor annoyances.  

[Burnt Toast]

18 hours ago, mnhockeyfan03 said:

No player besides mcdavid and McKinnon are worth that.

On ice analytics probably confirm that across the entire NHL. What has developed here in MN with KK has additional factors. #1 OCL lucked into a player that draws attendance no matter how the team performs. Value added. #2 KK has basically got a bunch of players either extended careers or stats beyond their expected averages. Value added. #3 What does the current GM’s resume look like over the last 6 years without a KK? #4 CJH What is the chance he breaks the narrative that he can’t win a playoff series in the NHL without KK? That’s why I say if KK goes $15M it’s team friendly because if he and his agent want to play hardball it’s going to be even higher. The one factor I don’t have any idea about is if KK is willing to sacrifice some personal AAV to help with team building. You mentioned Nathan McK. The year they won the cup he was making around $6M. Crosby has also left some $ on the table and it paid off. Florida across the board seems to have drawn players that fit that mold. I’m hoping for the $13M you suggested while I’m preparing for a number a bit higher. 

Edited August 24 by Burnt Toast
Spelling

[Up North Guy]

18 hours ago, mnhockeyfan03 said:

Understand but he is still hurt a lot and only getting older.  I will take 2 really good players at $7-8mm each than 1 player in Kap at 14-15.  It’s a team.  I say do 3-4yrs at $13mm or trade him to the highest bidder who he wants to go to.  If we pay 14-16mm this team is screwed.  In my opinion no player should be making over $10mm in this league to build out a deeeep team.  

I fail to see where you intend to get these magical $7-$8M really good players. How many did you see change teams this year? It will get even tougher next year as teams will see in advance how much they need to have in cap space.

[mnhockeyfan03]

Billy has to do a good job of selling Kap on taking a lower amount to build a complete team and a 3x$13mm deal allows him to do that.  It also allows Kap to cash in again.  If he wants more we can find other suitors and could get multiple impact players back.  This is a team game and no team with high paid stars in the 12-15mm range have won the cup.  Take less to build a team.  Don’t be selfish.  Take 11-12mm and the owner and city can find other ways to get you 3-4mm through endorsements.  Think outside the box. 

[bisopher]

22 hours ago, Paup said:

*And I like Rossi's game, he just needs to be more physical.  So, needs to get a nutritionist and a strength coach💪

Rossi's now 5'9", 196 lbs. per his recent interview in Austria.  Kaprizov is a whole inch taller and six pounds heavier. I'm more than willing to see how Rossi uses that new muscle in the high-danger areas before I parrot the "too soft" line. 

[Paup]

59 minutes ago, bisopher said:

Rossi's now 5'9", 196 lbs. per his recent interview in Austria.  Kaprizov is a whole inch taller and six pounds heavier. I'm more than willing to see how Rossi uses that new muscle in the high-danger areas before I parrot the "too soft" line. 

I personally think Rossi moves very well in and out of high danger areas.  He's just not able to stay put in front and be an effective screen.  My demerit for his physical play is I want him to punish the other guy who beats him to the puck.  Cause if you know that kind of hit is never coming, as an opposing player, you can chase that puck a little harder knowing Rossi is more than likely gonna only use his stick to remove you from the puck. Which is alright during the regular season, but come playoffs, that won't fly. 

It's gotta be a challenge being asked to do something you've never really been known for.  But it's the central.  So, I'm glad to hear he's put on some weight. 

I know Boldys game isn't physical either, but he's got the size to withstand hits and can give em out every so often. If Boldy could add a little sandpaper to his game, ala Erickson EK, that f*kin guy would be a beast. 

*My take on Kaprisov is BG and the Wild will do 8x14.5

[1Brotherbill]

Rossi will be a trade chip for his entire year until he isn't valuable.  The Wild got a good deal on him for the next three years.  Even if he plays terrible the contract is still going to look good with the Cap going up.  Now if he plays fantastic he will want more money when he becomes a Free Agent and the Wild will probably not have any money to sign him to a larger contract.  Which necessarily won't be a bad thing. 

[mnfaninnc]

On 8/23/2025 at 3:04 PM, mnhockeyfan03 said:

Abd please Billy don’t handcuff this team paying Kap over $13mm.  If he wants more let’s trade him. 

You do realize that Kaprizov has an NMC and gets to decide where he would go, right? That would significantly eliminate most of the pool of teams bidding for him and we would not like the value we got.

[mnhockeyfan03]

58 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

You do realize that Kaprizov has an NMC and gets to decide where he would go, right? That would significantly eliminate most of the pool of teams bidding for him and we would not like the value we got.

Yes do know that and we can still get enough return.  No need to pay him $14-16mm.  No player besides mcdavid or McKinnon are worth that.  If he gets over $13mm we won’t be winning a cup here.  Just the facts.  

[Scalptrash]

20 hours ago, Up North Guy said:

I fail to see where you intend to get these magical $7-$8M really good players. How many did you see change teams this year? It will get even tougher next year as teams will see in advance how much they need to have in cap space.

It's called a trade. The Wild could easily get two solid top six forwards for Kaprizov, and then some. I bet Buffalo would trade Thompson and Tuch for Kaprizov (just an example). Would that make the Wild better? I don't know, it would be a totally different team. One thing they wouldn't lack is size.

Of course, Kaprizov would never accept a trade to Buffalo, it's just a hypothetical.

I'm with mnhockeyfan on this one. Kaprizov isn't enough to win a cup by himself and if they overpay him, they will never have enough cap to build a championship team (Billy's genius management skills don't help). So, again, it boils down to whether Kaprizov wants money or his name on the cup. Don't be surprised if he doesn't sign a new contract before the season starts. He could easily drag this out until next summer or force the Wild's hand at the trade deadline, depending on how the team is doing. That's what I would do. Why box yourself in before you have all of the information or before you have to.

Pretty sure McDavid is pondering the same thing. If he re-signs with the Oilers, they will never have enough cap to build a cup team after this season. It's this year or bust for the Oilers. Why would he sign now when he can wait to see if they win the cup this season. If they do, he may be content just coasting the rest of his career for cash. If they don't win, he can sign with a team that still has a chance.

[0 Stanley Cups]

9 minutes ago, Scalptrash said:

Kaprizov isn't enough to win a cup by himself and if they overpay him, they will never have enough cap to build a championship team (Billy's genius management skills don't help). So, again, it boils down to whether Kaprizov wants money or his name on the cup. 

You realize the salary cap is increasing from $95.5 to $113.5M, that's $18M over the next two years, and a player like Kaprizov isn't worth over $13M?  He's easily getting $14-15M, it just depends on if he wants a short or long term deal with the Wild. 

The Wild have never had the opportunity to draft high enough to get a player like Kaprizov, he's essentially a first overall pick.  McDavid is probably getting $16-17M, which sounds like crazy money, but not when it's compared to the NFL, MLB, and NBA, obviously there are other factors involved.  Now, compared to other NHL teams, it's probably not wise to be too top heavy with huge contracts to 3-4 players, such as TOR, EDM, COL, etc., but I don't foresee the Wild having that problem anytime soon. 

At this point, the Wild and fans absolutely deserve to have one star player that can put up over a point per game, and maybe someday win an individual award also, and help us get past the first round of the playoffs after 25 years of mediocrity.

[Scalptrash]

39 minutes ago, 0 Stanley Cups said:

You realize the salary cap is increasing from $95.5 to $113.5M, that's $18M over the next two years, and a player like Kaprizov isn't worth over $13M?  He's easily getting $14-15M, it just depends on if he wants a short or long term deal with the Wild. 

The Wild have never had the opportunity to draft high enough to get a player like Kaprizov, he's essentially a first overall pick.  McDavid is probably getting $16-17M, which sounds like crazy money, but not when it's compared to the NFL, MLB, and NBA, obviously there are other factors involved.  Now, compared to other NHL teams, it's probably not wise to be too top heavy with huge contracts to 3-4 players, such as TOR, EDM, COL, etc., but I don't foresee the Wild having that problem anytime soon. 

At this point, the Wild and fans absolutely deserve to have one star player that can put up over a point per game, and maybe someday win an individual award also, and help us get past the first round of the playoffs after 25 years of mediocrity.

Yes, fully aware. Do you think player salaries are going to remain stagnant? A player that costs $7M today, will cost $9-10M in two years. The cap may be going up a lot, but so will the contracts (and ticket prices), it's all relative. Also, my point was what should Kaprizov do now, not what the Wild should give him. They will give him whatever it takes. The question is, does he want money or his name on the cup? He can't have both in MN.

So he should only sign a two year deal for $15M, right? Then when the Wild have $18M more in cap space, he can re-sign for $20M x 7 years.

This year Kaprizov and Gustavsson account for almost $14M. Next year they will probably account for $22M. That's $8M more just for the two of them.

They have approximately $5M in cap space now and it's going up to $104M next season. So that's half of that extra cap for just two players. They will also have to replace Zuccarello and Johansson next year and that should be the "Christmas morning" player they promised at around $7-8M. That's not a wish list, that's what Kaprizov will require and what he will be promised for sticking around. There's your other half. That leaves about $9M in new cap space the next year to re-sign Spurgeon, Buium, Hartman, Sturm and Ohgren or their replacements.

Point is, it's all relative. That's why it was so important to low ball Rossi, they are going to need it.

P.S. Whatever player they trade Rossi for is going to cost more than $6M. That will happen this year.

Edited August 25 by Scalptrash

[raithis]

1 hour ago, Scalptrash said:

That leaves about $9M in new cap space the next year to re-sign Spurgeon, Buium, Hartman, Sturm and Ohgren or their replacements.

Don't have time to reply to all of this so I will just focus on one part.

It does not leave $9M.  If those players need to be re-signed, then the money they are making now will also be freed up, increasing that number to something more along the lines of $24-25M.  That, and Spurgeon, if re-signed, would likely sign for less than he's getting now.  He wouldn't be making what he is now.

$15M for Kaprizov isn't going to hurt the team much more than $13M will.  All the ELCs will carry the Wild through the tightest part of that, and as the cap increases, there will be room to re-sign the younger players who are going to cost more to keep.

Despite saying that you recognize that the cap is going up, you still apply reasoning relative to the cap being stagnant.

[mnhockeyfan03]

1 hour ago, raithis said:

Don't have time to reply to all of this so I will just focus on one part.

It does not leave $9M.  If those players need to be re-signed, then the money they are making now will also be freed up, increasing that number to something more along the lines of $24-25M.  That, and Spurgeon, if re-signed, would likely sign for less than he's getting now.  He wouldn't be making what he is now.

$15M for Kaprizov isn't going to hurt the team much more than $13M will.  All the ELCs will carry the Wild through the tightest part of that, and as the cap increases, there will be room to re-sign the younger players who are going to cost more to keep.

Despite saying that you recognize that the cap is going up, you still apply reasoning relative to the cap being stagnant.

Once again why does everyone want to keep running the same guys back.  We need more top 6 forwards.  If cap signs for less that allows us to get another top 6 forward or 2.  Sorry but Zuc, Rossi and Terasenko are not top 6 guys on a contending team.  Is this fan base just happy to be decent or want a really chance of getting a cup.  If it’s a cup then we need more money for top 6 guys and guys like Spurg and Brodin will be gone along with Rossi, Zuc and Terasenko