Jump to content
Hockey Wilderness Zone Coverage Property

  • Where Would Rossi Go In A 2020 Redraft?

    Image courtesy of Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
    Kalisha Turnipseed

    By Kalisha Turnipseed -

    The Minnesota Wild aren't in a rush to trade Marco Rossi. However, Rossi will likely be on a new team by this upcoming draft or July 1. Rossi experienced a demotion in the lineup during the playoffs while veterans like Ryan Hartman and Freddy Gaudreau got more ice time. Rossi wants to play for a team that values him, but Guerin doesn't seem to see Rossi as a long-term top-six player for the Wild. 

    Rossi’s camp proposed a 7-year, $7 million average annual value (AAV) deal that Guerin recently rejected. Guerin wants to extend Rossi for 5 years at $5 million AAV, but Rossi rejected the deal. Both parties aren't on the same page, and it feels like Guerin’s relationship with Rossi is getting strained. 

    However, Guerin will be making a big mistake by trading Rossi. 

    It's been 5 years since the 2020 draft. Let's see how the NHL would've done a redraft of the top 10 players. 

    Here's the original draft results: 

    1. New York Rangers – Alexis Lafreniere (LW)
    2. Los Angeles Kings – Quinton Byfield (C)
    3. Ottawa Senators – Tim Stützle (C)
    4. Detroit Red Wings – Lucas Raymond (RW)
    5. Ottawa Senators – Jake Sanderson (D)
    6. Anaheim Ducks – Jamie Drysdale (D)
    7. New Jersey Devils – Alexander Holtz (RW)
    8. Buffalo Sabres – Jack Quinn (RW)
    9. Minnesota Wild – Marco Rossi (C)
    10. Winnipeg Jets – Cole Perfetti (C) 

    Here's a redraft based on best player available (BPA) using point-per-game: 

    1. Stützle (Rangers): 0.89 points (367 games played) 
    2. Raymond (Kings): 0.79 points (320 games played) 
    3. Jarvis (Senators): 0.70 points (304 games played) 
    4. Rossi (Red Wings): 0.55 points (185 games played) 
    5. Perfetti (Senators): 0.56 points (222 games played) 
    6. Sanderson (Ducks): 0.54 points (236 games played)
    7. Byfield (Devils): 0.55 points (260 games played) 
    8. Lundell (Sabers): 0.53 points (295 games played) 
    9. Mercer (Wild): 0.51 points (328 games played) 
    10. Lafreniere (Jets): 0.51 points  (380 games played) 

    The Rangers have to be experiencing buyer’s remorse. Instead of selecting Stutzle 1st overall, they chose to pick Lafreniere, who people believed was a generational talent. However, Lafreniere has struggled to establish himself as a core player in New York. Lafreniere is on the trade block while the Rangers try to upgrade their center position. 

    It's difficult to determine if the Kings would've selected Byfield in a redraft. Raymond has been the better producer and would be on LA’s top line. Raymond is a better option to play with Anze Kopitar than Adrian Kempe and Andrei Kuzmenko. Raymond would've been a game-changing presence.

    Jarvis has been the biggest surprise in the NHL because the Carolina Hurricanes took him 13th overall. He's a core player for the Hurricanes and an All-Star talent. Perhaps the Wild should've drafted Jarvis when he was available at 9th, but Guerin chose to draft Rossi. 

    Ottawa would’ve picked Sanderson 3rd or 5th overall because they had two top picks. However, what if Jarvis was available because the Rangers had taken Stutzle 1st overall? The Senators would have picked Jarvis 3rd had they known he would be an All-Star before Byfield, Lafreniere, and Rossi. 

    The Red Wings wouldn't have taken Raymond in a redraft because the Kings would have taken him 2nd. However, with Stutzle, Raymond, and Jarvis off the board, who are the Wings drafting at 4th? Rossi would've been selected to play behind captain Dylan Larkin. If the Wings had gone best player available, they would've made the playoffs with Rossi centering the second line. 

    Ottawa would be tempted to draft Perfetti to give them more center depth. Next to Jarvis, Perfetti would have helped the Senators go deeper in the playoffs. Jarvis has yet to appear in the Stanley Cup finals, so the Senators may have picked Sanderson to maintain their blueline depth. 

    If the Senators had passed on Sanderson twice, the Ducks would've been ecstatic to see Sanderson available at 6th. Would've easily replaced Cam Fowler, who they traded to the St. Louis Blues at the trade deadline. Sanderson is playing in all situations and the top special teams units for the Ducks. 

    The Devils would've loved to have Byfield center their 2nd line with Nico Hischier having to play on the top line because Jack Hughes was injured. Imagine if New Jersey played at full strength with Hughes and Byfield centering their 3rd line against the Hurricanes. Carolina would've had a tougher time beating them in 5 games. 

    Buffalo would love to have Lundell as its second-line center behind Tage Thompson. He isn't statistically far away from Dylan Cozens, who the Sabres took 7th overall in 2019. He has scored 0.59 points in 362 games; Lundell has played 295 games and scored 0.53 points. The Florida Panthers are using him in a third-line role, and he’s already won a Stanley Cup. 

    The Wild would've taken Mercer at 9th because he's a right-handed forward who can play center and wing. However, the Devils took Mercer with their second pick at 18th overall. Mercer is a better skater than Rossi. Would Mercer have gotten more looks than Rossi? The Wild have long wanted a speedy center next to Kaprizov. Would Mercer centering the top line against the Vegas Golden Knights have made a difference?

    The Jets would've closed out the top 10 by selecting Lafreniere. From Lafreniere's standpoint, he should be frustrated that he slipped from 1st overall. Would the Rangers have had a better version of Lafreniere if he had played in the AHL and dominated? 

    Here's the picks based on team needs: 

    1. Stutzle (Rangers) 
    2. Raymond (Kings) 
    3. Byfield (Senators) 
    4. Jarvis (Red Wings) 
    5. Sanderson (Senators) 
    6. Rossi (Ducks) 
    7. Lundell (Devils) 
    8. Perfetti (Sabers) 
    9. Mercer (Wild) 
    10. Dylan Holloway (Jets): 0.49 points (166 games played) 

    I can see Ottawa preferring size and taking Byfield before Jarvis and Rossi. Imagine Byfield and Brady Tkachuk playing together on the Senators’ top line. The bigger, the better for the Senators. They likely wouldn't have traded for Dylan Cozens if Byfield were on the team. 

    Jarvis isn't slipping past the Wings. He would look electrifying with Larkin. Anaheim would have grabbed Rossi if he slid to the 6th pick. The Ducks wouldn’t have traded for Cutter Gauthier if they had Rossi on their second line. Lundell is New Jersey’s third-line center, and the Devils would've beaten the Hurricanes with him on the second line. 

    The Sabers aren't letting Perfetti slip past them, and the Wild are still standing strong in picking the speedster in Mercer to play with Kaprizov, who has better puck-moving ability than Holloway. However, if Mercer were taken before the Wild selects at 9th, they would take Holloway over Lafreniere. The Edmonton Oilers drafted Holloway 14th overall before they traded him to St. Louis via offer sheet. 

    Winnipeg would've been more intrigued with Holloway than Lafreniere. Holloway is on pace to pass Lafreniere in points scored; Lafreniere is only scoring at a 2% higher rate than Holloway. I can see the Jets wanting size, speed, grit, tenacity, and versatility in Holloway that fits their system. However, is Guerin taking Holloway before the Jets? Holloway is a Guerin-type player. Holloway is also catching up to Mercer. Lafreniere would fall out of the top 10. 

    The verdict? 

    Minnesota should sign Rossi to a 5-year extension worth $6.5 million per year. Guerin wants to extend Rossi for 5 years. However, Rossi wants around $7 million. So, can Guerin live with paying Rossi $1.5 million more than $5 million? 

    Guerin has a future top center and fails to acknowledge that because Rossi is 5-foot-9. Rossi has performed better than Lafreniere, Byfield, and Sanderson, who were picked before him. Prepare for a sad departure, Wild fans.

    By Kalisha Turnipseed  

    Think you could write a story like this? Hockey Wilderness wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.

    • Like 3
    • Thanks 1
    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Featured Comments

    Enforceror
    39 minutes ago, Willy the poor boy said:

    Rossi wouldn't have been taken 4'th in a redraft. He's WAY to short. Maybe 4'th in the 2'nd round...🙃

    We just need to get him some taller skates. Problem solved?

    • Haha 3
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    NoJoSux

    Lundell with another assist tonight on a huge opening goal for Florida. Gets the best of Draisaitl coming off the draw. Possesses the puck and gets it out front. Grinds to win it back with a stick-slap. Marchand scores on the melee. 

    I'm telling ya, the possession metrics and perimeter, finesse crap you get from players like Rossi, Marner, Fiala, etc. might add up to a lot of points during the regular season but the playoffs is different. Florida has a team that plays winning hockey. Maurice is a way better coach than most. He made Winnipeg better when he was there and has since pretty much only gone to Cup Finals. 

    Minnesota is lacking size, playoff experience, winners, clutch-gamebreakers, and coaching gurus, not to mention special teams, faceoffs, and defensive shutdown lines. The Wild still don't roll four lines, have a brutal PP/PK offset ratio, and the GM/Coach play NoJo as if he's not a consistent minus player who rarely gets some offensive breaks.  

    • Like 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Mateo3xm
    4 hours ago, Willy the poor boy said:

    Rossi wouldn't have been taken 4'th in a redraft. He's WAY to short. Maybe 4'th in the 2'nd round...🙃

    He’d probably go between 6-8th in the first round. There’s o way he falls to the 2nd round after knowing how well he’s done now.

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    mnfaninnc

    I still think Rossi might have fallen. What's amazing is his production in 2 seasons in spite of his health scare. Really, that's the biggest issue with him, and he has recovered. When we drafted him, I think he was listed at 185. I expected him to naturally fill out to 195, but the health scare stole most of his built up muscle. 

    He's had to work hard to get it back, I just don't think he's finished yet. If I were redrafting, my hope would be that someone would have taken Lafreniere a little higher, and that Lundell would have dropped into our lap. He had plenty of offensive upside, and will end up being as good defensively as Koivu, but with more offense. We had the pick between the 2 and I think we blew the pick based upon our style of play.

    But Rossi has been good too. Would he get a longterm deal if he built his body into 195 and tweaked his edge work? I think Guerin would feel far more comfortable with that.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    mnfaninnc
    10 hours ago, NoJoSux said:

    Minnesota is lacking size, playoff experience, winners, clutch-gamebreakers, and coaching gurus, not to mention special teams, faceoffs, and defensive shutdown lines.

    I found it interesting that the Oilers and Panthers would have a meltdown moment in the finals. We need a couple of these in each of the next 2 seasons. It will be interesting to see if suspensions come out of this. I can say the referees will be scrutinized and this will not be a fun journey for them. Losing control of a game never is. And, this included 8 minor penalties in the 1st period. It's not like they didn't try.

    • Like 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Willy the poor boy
    11 hours ago, Mateo3xm said:

    He’d probably go between 6-8th in the first round. There’s o way he falls to the 2nd round after knowing how well he’s done now.

    Tongue in cheek humor...

    • Like 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Imyourhuckleberry
    17 hours ago, Willy the poor boy said:

    Rossi wouldn't have been taken 4'th in a redraft.

    No, he wouldn't. Seems like fairly shoddy work when the ordering of points per game isn't even done correctly.

    Here's a redraft based on best player available (BPA) using point-per-game: 

    1. Stützle (Rangers): 0.89 points (367 games played) 
    2. Raymond (Kings): 0.79 points (320 games played) 
    3. Jarvis (Senators): 0.70 points (304 games played) 
    4. Rossi (Red Wings): 0.55 points (185 games played) 
    5. Perfetti (Senators): 0.56 points (222 games played) 
    6. Sanderson (Ducks): 0.54 points (236 games played)
    7. Byfield (Devils): 0.55 points (260 games played) 
    8. Lundell (Sabers): 0.53 points (295 games played) 
    9. Mercer (Wild): 0.51 points (328 games played) 
    10. Lafreniere (Jets): 0.51 points  (380 games played) 

    Perfetti clearly has more points per game up there. Byfield does as well even though that's more difficult to determine with both being listed at .55.

    Byfield has slightly higher PPG using stats for all seasons, and he's nearly a year younger and MUCH larger. He played 6 games at age 18 while Rossi didn't see NHL ice until his age 20 season, so if you go just with the most recent 3 seasons, Byfield is at .612 while Rossi is at .552.

    Even Laffy Taffy hits .576 points per game if you use just the last 3 seasons, and Lafreniere is 18 days younger than Rossi, so using just those seasons makes a lot of sense.

    Sanderson is also a defenseman, so being close there could favor the defender. There is certainly an argument to be made that Rossi is a better offensive player than Lundell. Rossi around 7th or 8th could make sense given that he was anticipated to go in the top 8 originally, but 4th is a sham in so many different ways, it's quite laughable.

    Rossi is a good NHL player, and will be paid decently, but let's please not incorrectly deliver stats to make him look more accomplished than he is.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    mnfaninnc

    Alexis Lafreniere is 6'2" 196 as listed by the NYR. He's 23. Could he have a problem similar to what Rossi found out? What would happen if Lafreniere showed up to camp ripped and weighing in at 210? Yes, that would be Ek size.

    Would that extra strength give Lafreniere an advantage he has not had? I think it's a possibility to the shock of no-one.

    Here's part of a scouting report on him:

    Quote

    A gifted and versatile scoring winger with outstanding hockey sense and the ability to elevate his game when the situation calls for it, Lafreniere possesses many traits that scream elite and potential NHL superstar. From his deadly wrist shot to his superior playmaking and vision, the St. Eustache native checks every block imaginable when it comes to possessing the puck. What makes Lafreniere unique, however, is his insanely high compete level, tenacity on the puck, physicality, and selflessness. Play him on a line with equally heralded or accomplished prospects, and he’ll make it a point to tap into their strengths rather than make himself the center of attention.

    Lafreniere is an excellent skater in all directions, but his powerful stride allows him to separate from opponents in open ice. It’s rare to see a winger nearing 200 pounds of any age to be able to turn on the jets immediately following a physical battle, but Lafreniere’s foot speed, long stride, and expert anticipation places him in open ice with a numbers advantage multiple times a period, let alone an entire game. Playing in a junior league has something to do with that, but there no reason to believe his escapability in close contact won’t translate to success within the trenches of NHL warfare, where time and space are earned the hard way. Lafreniere can tailor his game to fit any style of play, and his ability to play physical causes significant matchup problems for smaller opponents.

    and another

    Quote

    So we know what he’s done, but how has he done it? Lafrenière truly is an all-round, elite player with an offensive gift. The offense runs through him. He can cycle the offensive end on his own, finding the perfect pass for an assist or the best positioning for a shot. His offensive awareness is off the charts. He reads defences so well that when you watch him play it looks like he visualizes the path to the net and he takes it.

    If you’re one-on-one against him, expect to lose. He’s a very creative player, that can go through the opposition or blow past them. His biggest progression this season has been his skating. He’s a powerful skater who can accelerate with ease, often leaving defenders in his snow. It’s evident that he likes to pass, based on his assist totals through the years, but when he pulls out his wrist shot – watch out. It’s hard, it’s fast, it’s accurate.

    From his draft year, Alexis Lafreniere has actually grown 1" and 4 lbs. That's it. Could it be that the advantage he had in jrs. had a lot to do with being to big to handle for most prospects? He appears to have done 0 weight training based upon the above figures. Did moving to the NHL and facing guys as big or perhaps a little bigger stifle his play? I'd have to point my finger and say Bingo.

    There are 2 theories that I could have concerning Lafreniere. 1) not having the same immediate success as in jrs., especially when you've been pegged a generational talent in a huge market like NY can be overwhelming for a teenager. 2) not building the extra 15 lbs. of muscle you needed to contend at this level is probably a major reason for #1 on this list. 

    I believe that if we trade Rossi, NYR probably has the best roster to help us. Adding a scorer also helps. I really wish he were right handed. But if you got this kid out of NY, gave him a little peace of mind and instructed him he needed a big offseason of physical development, sent him to camp Ek, and brought him back at 210, I think you could see that generational talent. I would be willing to take that chance....if I had a chance to talk to him before pulling the trigger.

    Lafreniere already has a $51m contract under his belt. Where's the motivation to go through the grind of a summer instead of enjoying yourself? Well, based upon the quotes above, he took a doormat on his shoulders and made them a contender. By talking to him, you can find out if that fire still burns. 

    I would love to bring over Lafreniere and Kreider. NYR is still trying to shed cap and Kreider is at $6.5m for 2 more seasons. We can fit him in. Going through the quick look at the puckpedia teams, it also appears that the Wild may be the best team with cap room for this. Cap wise, Lafreniere and Rossi will be mostly a wash, so we'd have to pick up the $6.5m where we have room. We will also need to shed some of our bottom 6 to make room for the kids. 

    Rossi going to Vancouver sounds like a disaster. Lafreniere has definitely disappointed NYR fans and coaches alike. Vancouver has the Shooter whisperer on their team which I fear will have undo influence on the trade. So, in Pewter fashion I will end with

    #don'tbedumbbill

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Mateo3xm
    On 6/10/2025 at 10:04 AM, Imyourhuckleberry said:

    No, he wouldn't. Seems like fairly shoddy work when the ordering of points per game isn't even done correctly.

    Here's a redraft based on best player available (BPA) using point-per-game: 

    1. Stützle (Rangers): 0.89 points (367 games played) 
    2. Raymond (Kings): 0.79 points (320 games played) 
    3. Jarvis (Senators): 0.70 points (304 games played) 
    4. Rossi (Red Wings): 0.55 points (185 games played) 
    5. Perfetti (Senators): 0.56 points (222 games played) 
    6. Sanderson (Ducks): 0.54 points (236 games played)
    7. Byfield (Devils): 0.55 points (260 games played) 
    8. Lundell (Sabers): 0.53 points (295 games played) 
    9. Mercer (Wild): 0.51 points (328 games played) 
    10. Lafreniere (Jets): 0.51 points  (380 games played) 

    Perfetti clearly has more points per game up there. Byfield does as well even though that's more difficult to determine with both being listed at .55.

    Byfield has slightly higher PPG using stats for all seasons, and he's nearly a year younger and MUCH larger. He played 6 games at age 18 while Rossi didn't see NHL ice until his age 20 season, so if you go just with the most recent 3 seasons, Byfield is at .612 while Rossi is at .552.

    Even Laffy Taffy hits .576 points per game if you use just the last 3 seasons, and Lafreniere is 18 days younger than Rossi, so using just those seasons makes a lot of sense.

    Sanderson is also a defenseman, so being close there could favor the defender. There is certainly an argument to be made that Rossi is a better offensive player than Lundell. Rossi around 7th or 8th could make sense given that he was anticipated to go in the top 8 originally, but 4th is a sham in so many different ways, it's quite laughable.

    Rossi is a good NHL player, and will be paid decently, but let's please not incorrectly deliver stats to make him look more accomplished than he is.

    This is all true but if you consider all these prospects first two seasons, I bet Rossi would be some where at the top in ppg for those two seasons. A lot on here have 3 seasons under there belt or more and they are gradually going to get better. Rossi missed a year of development because of serious illness. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Mateo3xm
    On 6/10/2025 at 12:52 PM, mnfaninnc said:

    Lafreniere has definitely disappointed NYR fans and coaches alike.

    Laf hasn’t been a disappointment. You just hear a lot of rumblings from dumb impatient fans. He scored 28 goals as a 22yr old. He’s a LW. Look at who’s in front of him on the depth chart of LW. Panarin, Kreider and even JT. Miller plays LW. They also have Cuylle that plays LW. He’s just been buried on the 3rd line and he’s young. I don’t think he gets a lot of PP time either.

    • Like 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    mnfaninnc
    1 hour ago, Mateo3xm said:

    Laf hasn’t been a disappointment. You just hear a lot of rumblings from dumb impatient fans. He scored 28 goals as a 22yr old. He’s a LW. Look at who’s in front of him on the depth chart of LW. Panarin, Kreider and even JT. Miller plays LW. They also have Cuylle that plays LW. He’s just been buried on the 3rd line and he’s young. I don’t think he gets a lot of PP time either.

    If we traded Rossi for him, are you thinking we got a steal then?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Up North Guy
    4 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

    If we traded Rossi for him, are you thinking we got a steal then?

    If we made that trade I would want a little more back due to positional value.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Mateo3xm
    6 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

    If we traded Rossi for him, are you thinking we got a steal then?

    I just don’t see it being a realistic trade. I wouldn’t be mad if we got him though. I think he’s got the potential to be really good . NY has done a terrible job of developing Laf and Kappo. Under a different team I think he’d be really good. I don’t think NY wants an undersized center though.

    • Like 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    ×

×
×
  • Create New...