A Productive Marco Rossi Could Revolutionize Minnesota's Lineup

If Rossi isn’t on the line with Kap and Zuc to say least start the season off and give it a try then what the hell is Dean doing and why even have Rossi as a prospect.

 Give him a fucking chance to succeed and play with top talent to see what he can do!

I want to see Rossi play in the top 6. JEE and Boldy arguably should be kept together just as Kaprizov and Zuccarello should be. That means the only center position open is with Kap and Zuc. The biggest drawback is that that line is not big. Opposing teams are going to try to physically impose themselves on that line and that will wear that line down by the end of the season. Kap is a tough customer and can play the body well for his size. Zuc is certainly used the rough treatment and can cope. Rossi will need to do the same. The rest of the team will need to help however they can, whether that is punish the guys on the other team that are bruising Rossi's line or make it so the opposing team has to deploy their physical players elsewhere (like in response to the Wild's physical play).

Never going to happen. Do Zuc and Kaprizov need someone to set them up for points.  They do need someone to win puck battles, set screens in front of the goalie, and get the gritty goals that come from standing in front of the goalie to clean up the rebounds. What part of that sounds like Rossi's game?

Hartman is a decent all-around player, and can be a solid passer, but if you want scoring from Foligno and Gaudreau, putting someone with them whose best skill is his passing(Rossi) might be a good/better idea.

The Wild already have a checking line that is likely to be limited on scoring in Dewar, Duhaime, Maroon.  Do they need 2 checking lines like that and a top line that is easy to score on?  I don't think KK97, Rossi, Zuccarello is going to be high on a list of lines that makes things tough on opposing offenses.

That's a lot of pressure on the Boldy - JEE - Johansson line.

Also, Hartman has played well with the top line. There isn't a good reason to replace him with a rookie who has a completely different skillset. If a rookie playmaker cannot get points playing with Gaudreau and Foligno, then he should probably go back to the AHL.

If Rossi can help them have 3 scoring lines and 1 checking line, that's likely going to be much more valuable to team success then helping Rossi pile up points because he's playing with 2 of the most skilled players on the team--the ones who least need his skillset to succeed.

You make a lot of good points. Hartman has been a good triggerman and capitalized on Kap's and Zucc's creativity. He's also gritty and willing to battle. If the Wild were seriously contending for the Cup this coming season, keeping him on the top line would absolutely be the right call.

But the Wild aren't going to be serious contenders this year. The future success of the Wild once the dead cap comes off the books is far more likely to be improved by a well-developed Rossi that learned from playing with scoring players than leaving Hartman in place and undercutting Rossi's development by forcing him to play a checking role.

I like it... all depending on what Rossi did this summer.  Assuming he is now 190 plus and the resolve is there... yeah let's see what he can do.

JEE/Boldy/MOJO should stick together.

I think Foligno and Maroon should be on the same line. 

JFC…Rask was the 1C between The Thrill and The Lizard! Give Rossi every chance to prove he’s worse. 

1 hour ago, Will D. Ness said:

JEE/Boldy/MOJO should stick together.

Hail yeah!!

3 hours ago, Velgey said:

a well-developed Rossi that learned from playing with scoring players than leaving Hartman in place and undercutting Rossi's development by forcing him to play a checking role.

What would stop Rossi from turning the top Foligno and Gaudreau into scorers?

Foligno has had one of the top shooting percentages on the team prior to last season. I believe Gaudreau had the best scoring percentage on shootouts. Setting those guys up with high end passing seems like it could payoff, and Foligno would could provide better protection to his rookie linemate than Zuccarello or KK97.

I don't see Evason granting Rossi close to 20 minutes a night as a rookie.  Who else is going from the AHL to the top line?

I cannot see this team, who watched Rossi fail to produce last year, suddenly put him in the most prominent C role. That line is the most exciting line, so his failures would standout more there when they are getting pummeled by bigger lines. They could try it if injuries put them in a position to switch things up, but I cannot see that being the plan heading into the season with everyone healthy.

56 minutes ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

What would stop Rossi from turning the top Foligno and Gaudreau into scorers?

Foligno has had one of the top shooting percentages on the team prior to last season. I believe Gaudreau had the best scoring percentage on shootouts. Setting those guys up with high end passing seems like it could payoff, and Foligno would could provide better protection to his rookie linemate than Zuccarello or KK97.

I don't see Evason granting Rossi close to 20 minutes a night as a rookie.  Who else is going from the AHL to the top line?

I cannot see this team, who watched Rossi fail to produce last year, suddenly put him in the most prominent C role. That line is the most exciting line, so his failures would standout more there when they are getting pummeled by bigger lines. They could try it if injuries put them in a position to switch things up, but I cannot see that being the plan heading into the season with everyone healthy.

Lol Gaudreau and Foligno are keeping Rossi from turning them into scorers. We going to turn the carriage back into a pumpkin at midnight too?

We are not talking young, fast players that have yet to set their style. We are talking two journeymen (30+), one a perpetual AHL tweener and the other a tough guy who had one season over 15 goals. We may as well expect the sun to rise in the west.

Matching a players style with his line is an important part of being a coach. You can't expect Rossi to produce on a checking line with zero help. As stated above he is a playmaker, not a pure scorer. He needs someone to make plays to, and that is neither Gaudreau nor Foligno. 

It would be beneficial to have someone else in the offensive zone that Zucc and Kap feel comfortable passing to. Teams are starting to read the back and forth between them and take it away like we saw in playoffs. Adding another offensive weapon to that line could really leave another team on their heels. Speaking to the physical end, it is a small line but they can play fast paced hockey that leaves physical and slow lines in the dust. Keep the tempo up and these guys won't be getting dominated at all.

These are all good points and ideas from top to bottom, BUT one thing needs to happen. I've been listening to this for three years and Rossi needs to bring his "FU" game, otherwise its just like they say about "opinions", everyone has one.

My opinion is he's not a fit for this team, maybe somewhere else, but the kid just doesn't have the grit or the size for Wild Hockey. The only thing that has kept hope up is he plays a 200ft game which the Wild are in love with and hope he can put it all together.

The key will definitely be his line mates and I would hate to see the Boldy line sacrifice the EEK and JoJo chemistry to put Rossi in the only place he would fit on this team.

Time will tell....I wish the kid good luck, its nothing personal. I hope he can fit in, but I'm also willing to move on if it doesn't work and cut our losses. He seems like a great person and has a no quit attitude. He came through a terrible recovery with COVID. He has a place somewhere, maybe just not here.

We have Marat Khusnutdinov coming in next year so I'm fine with where we land either way.

1 hour ago, vonlonster67 said:

I've been listening to this for three years and Rossi needs to bring his "FU" game, otherwise it’s just like they say about "opinions", everyone has one.

He’s played in 2 different seasons for a total of 21 Nhl games, on the 4th line, with grinders..

How have you been listening to it for 3 years?

How long did you have to “listen to this” when it came down to JEE’s development?

Why does Rossi have to produce at a much much faster clip then other players, especially as a Center who lost time to myocarditis?

Are you aware the ages that players typically take to start producing?

You think that’s an intelligent decision to give up on a 21 year old player?

Thank God you’re not in charge, this team would be a disaster.

21 minutes ago, Mateo3xm said:

He’s played in 2 different seasons for a total of 21 Nhl games, on the 4th line, with grinders..

How have you been listening to it for 3 years?

How long did you have to “listen to this” when it came down to JEE’s development?

Why does Rossi have to produce at a much much faster clip then other players, especially as a Center who lost time to myocarditis?

Are you aware the ages that players typically take to start producing?

You think that’s an intelligent decision to give up on a 21 year old player?

Thank God you’re not in charge, this team would be a disaster.

 

I didn't say give up, I said he's not a fit for this team, glad you read all of the reply!

4 hours ago, TheGoosesAreLooses said:

Gaudreau and Foligno are keeping Rossi from turning them into scorers.

Are you aware that Gaudreau easily led the Wild in shootout goals last year, with 8 in 13 attempts? That was 3 more than anyone else on the roster and a very strong percentage. One wouldn't include shootout tallies in goal totals, but Gaudreau was 5th in regular season goals for the Wild, and would be tied for 3rd if counting shootout goals.

The 3 years prior to last season Foligno averaged 21 goals per 80 games played, with a very high shooting percentage. Eriksson Ek is an excellent 2-way player, but he isn't a setup man.

Neither of those 2 has played a ton of minutes with great setup men. It seems that Rossi's best asset as a hockey player is his ability to generate assists, presumably by putting others in positions for high danger chances.

Neither of those guys are slouches at getting goals in favorable conditions, but they need a point person to help them get high danger chances. Gaudreau and Rossi isn't a checking line, and while Foligno happens to be able to play a checking role, he can also chip in on offense. It would put a checking presence, and someone who is digging for pucks in tight corners or right in the goalies face on each line.

Duhaime and Maroon team with Dewar for a true checking line and the other lines generate offense. Gaudreau and Foligno can pair together on a PK line, Rossi could be added to a PP unit.

If you want to get Rossi time with the premier goal scorers, you can do it when the team is most likely to control the puck on the PP, not create a line that other top lines can bully in order to help the rookie tally points.

In addition, KK97 and Zuccarello are dynamic players, but they also led the team in giveaways, so yes, I would worry about limiting the defensive assistance they get from their center. Hartman is a far better all-around player right now.

I don't have a lot of confidence in a kk Rossi zuc line, but I still have confidence in Rossi. My 2 cents, trade foligno and run out walker Rossi Freddy best case it works worst case a top 10 and possibly a 2nd low 1st in the final year of cap hell. Could do quite a package for a true 1st center then.

You guys apparently don't know DE and BG very well.  There is no way they are putting Rossi on the top line to start the season, like zero chance.  Unless he starts producing, or someone is banged up of course, he will be a 3rd line C. His chance to shine and do something will be on PP2.  If they can get some production there, that can help his cause.  Unfortunately Rossi has bust written all over him.  I hope I am wrong, but let's see him prove it on the ice that he can produce and be a top line player in the NHL before elevating him to play with KK.  

19 hours ago, Will D. Ness said:

I like it... all depending on what Rossi did this summer.  Assuming he is now 190 plus and the resolve is there... yeah let's see what he can do.

JEE/Boldy/MOJO should stick together.

I think Foligno and Maroon should be on the same line. 

I like Foligno and Maroon split up. That way there is more chances of an enforcer on the ice to keep the peace and make people pay for making runs. Putting all of your eggs in one basket makes the other lines weaker and smaller.

1 hour ago, Outskated said:

 I hope I am wrong, but let's see him prove it on the ice that he can produce and be a top line player in the NHL before elevating him to play with KK.  

What did Viktor Rask and Sam Steel prove to earn top-line minutes? I get that Rossi looked pretty lost on the ice last year, so I don't think he should automatically get the 1st-line C billing until he shows more understanding of the game at NHL speed, but the way they've handed out the job looks pretty bizarre from the outside. 

It seems to be more about potentially increasing a guy's trade-value (and they must not be interested in trading Rossi) than anything else. 

11 hours ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

In addition, KK97 and Zuccarello are dynamic players, but they also led the team in giveaways, so yes, I would worry about limiting the defensive assistance they get from their center. Hartman is a far better all-around player right now.

But, this is where the Brodin-Faber pairing comes in. Ain't nobody getting past those 2, even on 5 on 2s! 😜

Couple things that come into play here.  Rossi is the highest draft pick in 10 years and the pick was done by current FO dudes.  They have skin in this game that might influence them to give Rossi leeway.

Rossi has to earn that spot, that means he has to leap over Hartman. It will be behind closed doors in practice/camp where this could take place. In the back of my mind, I don't think he gets that opportunity since Evason has shown a tendency to not play vets too hard in preseason. 

Sam Steel just happened to be available when Hartman went down with injury. What did he do? Simply not look out of place. He added some speed to that line, but in the end, he just wasn't that good and got demoted. To me, it looked like Steel choked on several grade A opportunities right at the net.

What did Rask do? Well, one thing he didn't do was elevate his trade stock. But, he was able to get in the way several times.

What can Rossi do to earn a chance there if Evason does not allow him to jump Hartman? 

1. Sandwiched between Foligno and Gaudreau, Rossi can generated XGF for that line. Even if Foligno and Gaudreau don't convert, the XGF stat will show Rossi's value.
2. Hartman would need to struggle. When that line was put together, Hartsy was on fire. If he starts slow, there will be an opening.
3. Hartman could get hurt. This would open up a direct opportunity for Rossi to showcase what he can do. Whether it's 3 games or 20, Rossi would have to play so well that the injured player simply couldn't return to that role. 

#1 is the only thing that Rossi can control. The other stuff just comes with team luck. 

It's was said above that it took Ek a long time to produce. Yes it did. And he earned elevation from line 4 to 3 to 2. If Rossi starts out at 3, he's already ahead of Ek's elevation. Then, you look for the next opportunity while succeeding in the one you were given. 

That's the way it works in most NHL franchises. That's the way Evason is programmed, and likely Guerin. Only your Eichels, McDavids, and likely Bedards get to jump into the top line center position as a rookie. I'm not even sure McDavid did, I think he may have started on line 2. And why is that? Because #1 overall picks who are generational talents typically go to teams that have very little talent. We are not in that same position, so, Rossi will have to earn every bit of playing time that he gets. He will also need to earn Evason's trust. Winning big draws is a great way to start!

4 hours ago, Outskated said:

You guys apparently don't know DE and BG very well.  There is no way they are putting Rossi on the top line to start the season, like zero chance.  Unless he starts producing, or someone is banged up of course, he will be a 3rd line C. His chance to shine and do something will be on PP2.  If they can get some production there, that can help his cause.  Unfortunately Rossi has bust written all over him.  I hope I am wrong, but let's see him prove it on the ice that he can produce and be a top line player in the NHL before elevating him to play with KK.  

I would say Rossi's best chance to be on the 5v5 line with Kaprizov in the next 2 seasons is by replacing Zuccarello via injury or contract expiring. Without injuries occuring, I agree that there is almost zero chance Rossi is centering for KK97.

Didn't Rossi play wing last year? Is it even sure he will play center?

16 hours ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

Are you aware that Gaudreau easily led the Wild in shootout goals last year, with 8 in 13 attempts? That was 3 more than anyone else on the roster and a very strong percentage. One wouldn't include shootout tallies in goal totals, but Gaudreau was 5th in regular season goals for the Wild, and would be tied for 3rd if counting shootout goals.

The 3 years prior to last season Foligno averaged 21 goals per 80 games played, with a very high shooting percentage. Eriksson Ek is an excellent 2-way player, but he isn't a setup man.

Neither of those 2 has played a ton of minutes with great setup men. It seems that Rossi's best asset as a hockey player is his ability to generate assists, presumably by putting others in positions for high danger chances.

Neither of those guys are slouches at getting goals in favorable conditions, but they need a point person to help them get high danger chances. Gaudreau and Rossi isn't a checking line, and while Foligno happens to be able to play a checking role, he can also chip in on offense. It would put a checking presence, and someone who is digging for pucks in tight corners or right in the goalies face on each line.

Duhaime and Maroon team with Dewar for a true checking line and the other lines generate offense. Gaudreau and Foligno can pair together on a PK line, Rossi could be added to a PP unit.

If you want to get Rossi time with the premier goal scorers, you can do it when the team is most likely to control the puck on the PP, not create a line that other top lines can bully in order to help the rookie tally points.

In addition, KK97 and Zuccarello are dynamic players, but they also led the team in giveaways, so yes, I would worry about limiting the defensive assistance they get from their center. Hartman is a far better all-around player right now.

Just because Gaudreau had shootout goals does not mean he is a goal scorer. Foligno had one year above 20 goals and regressed to his average last year. Arguing against 7+ years of trend is daft. 

I like Gaudreau as a shootout specialist but it proves nothing during the game.

One of the things that has been noted about Rossi is he is extremely defensively responsible making him an even better fit on the first line. We tried a spattering of cast offs and bottom 6 guys, why not give Rossi a shot? If Sam Steel gets slotted in why not Rossi?

16 minutes ago, TheGoosesAreLooses said:

If Sam Steel gets slotted in why not Rossi?

Ryan Hartman.

Did Sam Steel play on line 1 a lot when Hartman was healthy?

18 minutes ago, TheGoosesAreLooses said:

Just because Gaudreau had shootout goals does not mean he is a goal scorer. Foligno had one year above 20 goals and regressed to his average last year. Arguing against 7+ years of trend is daft. 

You must be daft because these guys don't have 7 years of trend like you think. Gaudreau was 5th on the team in goals just last year, and prior to last season, Foligno scored on over 20% of his totals shots(on goal) from the prior 3 seasons.

Foligno's shooting percentage was over 23% in both the 2020-2021 and the 2021-2022 seasons. Nobody on the Wild came close to those shooting percentages last season. You're saying that these guys that haven't shown a propensity to score when they aren't playing with a playmaker shouldn't have a chance because they haven't scored over 20 goals every year without playing with a  playmaker?

Foligno only scored over 20 goals 1 season, but are you aware that 11 goals in 39 games played, like 2020-2021 is over a 20 goal pace, so he was on pace to do it 2 consecutive seasons?

Rossi literally has 1 point in 21 NHL games, and was -7 in plus/minus for 19 games last season. He averages zero NHL goals per season, and projects to roughly 4 points if you string that out to an 82 game season--based upon trend.

While I know he will do better, and that he's very good for an AHL player, it doesn't seem like he's 1st line material just yet. Sam Steel certainly didn't excel when they put him on the 1st line. Hartman has produced there when healthy.