Vancouver Canucks 'Very Interested' In Wild's Marco Rossi

A 15th pick does very little to move me off the "EHHHHH" reaction of moving Rossi.  A 6-10 maybe, but still.  

An offer sheet sucks, a straight pick and 3rd-4th line player deal sucks, just: bleh.  I just hope if that's what Guerin is working on, he has a 2nd line free agent or 1st line trade mapped out in his book somewhere.

Looked up the 15th picks in most recent drafts and Cossa was the best one.  The Wild's last 15th ever chosen?  Luke Kunin...

Yeah, uh.

I would be hugely disappointed with #15 this year. The thing I read about Vancouver flipping a defensive prospect and #15 still is a meh. Flipping Pettersson in the deal, the center, now we can have a conversation. If this is their offer, and Lekkerimaki included, I think we look elsewhere. 

Simply put, Lekkerimaki, #15, a defensive prospect does not help us in '25. Shooter is on record saying he does not want a Rossi trade to delay his timeline. So futures doesn't really work out that way. Try again, Vancouver.

I read an interesting piece that said there was a potential deal last summer of Marner going to Vegas for Karlsson. Toronto also asked for Theodore. Here's the interesting part, this trade was nixed by Karlsson who has an M-NTC. It looks like players want no part of playing in Canada and that the report on that was accurate. 

I believe that players are paid in $, not C$. But, Canada takes them to the cleaners in taxes, so most players just simply keep Canadian teams on their list. Since MN is a higher tax state, one could glean from this that they may not be much of a destination either. 

Looking at this through the player's eyes, I saw another national article last week on a problem in Minneapolis. I didn't read the article, but just that headline is negative coverage for Minneapolis making an out of towner wonder what is wrong with the community there. 

I can't remember who it was who defended Minneapolis and their taxes, essentially saying that the national articles were blown out of proportion, which they probably are, and that south Minneapolis has great schools, houses selling above asking price, and is wonderful. The national perception since the George Floyd death has not been as kind to the city. And, if a guy is potentially coming into this market which has a 9.85% state tax rate for his salary, what is he getting out of it? This is more of a national PR problem than anything else in my eyes. But it is likely also the way a potential athlete sees the community. 

Many M-NTC contracts are 10 team. Some are 15. While I think the 7 Canadian teams + Buffalo, Columbus are on that list, maybe NJ is #10? Where does MN fit on this list? Would they be in the top 15? I think this is truly possible, and something that Shooter is going to have to overcome. This typically translates to overpayment. 

Also I perused the Bleacher Report article. What difference does it make how high a kid can jump in hockey? Is he jumping through the home plate area to screen the goalie and get missed by a shot? 

It seems to me that the NHL Combine needs a little revamping of relevancy. Make them do stuff that translates! I'm sure a goalie doing a vertical jump is extremely useful 🙄

Its a way to measure leg strength.  Something very important for both goalies and skaters alike. 

2 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

I read an interesting piece that said there was a potential deal last summer of Marner going to Vegas for Karlsson. Toronto also asked for Theodore. Here's the interesting part, this trade was nixed by Karlsson who has an M-NTC. It looks like players want no part of playing in Canada and that the report on that was accurate. 

I believe that players are paid in $, not C$. But, Canada takes them to the cleaners in taxes, so most players just simply keep Canadian teams on their list. Since MN is a higher tax state, one could glean from this that they may not be much of a destination either. 

Looking at this through the player's eyes, I saw another national article last week on a problem in Minneapolis. I didn't read the article, but just that headline is negative coverage for Minneapolis making an out of towner wonder what is wrong with the community there. 

I can't remember who it was who defended Minneapolis and their taxes, essentially saying that the national articles were blown out of proportion, which they probably are, and that south Minneapolis has great schools, houses selling above asking price, and is wonderful. The national perception since the George Floyd death has not been as kind to the city. And, if a guy is potentially coming into this market which has a 9.85% state tax rate for his salary, what is he getting out of it? This is more of a national PR problem than anything else in my eyes. But it is likely also the way a potential athlete sees the community. 

Many M-NTC contracts are 10 team. Some are 15. While I think the 7 Canadian teams + Buffalo, Columbus are on that list, maybe NJ is #10? Where does MN fit on this list? Would they be in the top 15? I think this is truly possible, and something that Shooter is going to have to overcome. This typically translates to overpayment. 

Looks likely that Minneapolis will burn this summer, but fortunately for the Wild, St. Paul 'might' be spared.

So, Vancouver is now what, the 10th team that is interested in Rossi?  As far as them offer sheeting Rossi, I doubt that will happen, unless they get their 3rd round pick back for 2026.  Otherwise, the max they can offer him is $4.68M which would be matched instantly, or over $11.7M which isn't happening.

3 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

I can't remember who it was who defended Minneapolis and their taxes, essentially saying that the national articles were blown out of proportion, which they probably are, and that south Minneapolis has great schools, houses selling above asking price, and is wonderful. The national perception since the George Floyd death has not been as kind to the city. And, if a guy is potentially coming into this market which has a 9.85% state tax rate for his salary, what is he getting out of it?

Hockey players seem to gravitate to the area to provide opportunities for their kids to play hockey.  They are getting the Edina school district to send their kids to, and play hockey at. 

If you believe MoJo is a $2M player (i'm not arguing that here, thats what people who estimate contracts put him at), he gave up $1.2M to live in Edina.

Fleury dropped $8.9M on a house to live in Wayzata post-retirement.

Contrary to what's on Fox News, Minneapolis continually is highly ranked as a place to live. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250530-why-minneapolis-is-one-of-the-worlds-happiest-places

48 minutes ago, MrCheatachu said:

Hockey players seem to gravitate to the area to provide opportunities for their kids to play hockey.  They are getting the Edina school district to send their kids to, and play hockey at. 

If you believe MoJo is a $2M player (i'm not arguing that here, thats what people who estimate contracts put him at), he gave up $1.2M to live in Edina.

Fleury dropped $8.9M on a house to live in Wayzata post-retirement.

Contrary to what's on Fox News, Minneapolis continually is highly ranked as a place to live. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250530-why-minneapolis-is-one-of-the-worlds-happiest-places

That is good to know. I assume that after 40 years of growth that Edina and Minneapolis have expanded. Does Edina bleed into Minneapolis or is there enough of a buffer between the 2? When I lived there, Edina was the capital of $. Is it still that way, or did it get a bit too crowded? Wayzata looks far enough out in the 'burbs to have plenty of peace.

What I'm concerned about here isn't truth, it's perception. Regardless of where the articles show up, it is out there for out of towners, and will hit on a simple google search. Would a player google search an area if he had a clause? Or would he ask a teammate from the state if it's a nice place to live? What would the teammate say? Does the friend say it's great as long as you stay out of Minneapolis? 

Of course, if you look hard enough, probably every city with a hockey team will have crime pop up. But, would you be willing to deal with it more at 4% state tax, no state tax? 

Anyone reading this, please note, I am not trying to bash the city or the state. I am trying to look at what an outsider would see when deciding if he wants to go there with multiple offers as a UFA, or a guy who has to list teams on an M-NTC. To do that, one must step away from emotions and take a clear look at the place for all its benefits and problems. 

2 hours ago, SkolWild73 said:

So, Vancouver is now what, the 10th team that is interested in Rossi?

You'd think someone could drum up a bidding war with that type of interest!

53 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

That is good to know. I assume that after 40 years of growth that Edina and Minneapolis have expanded. Does Edina bleed into Minneapolis or is there enough of a buffer between the 2? When I lived there, Edina was the capital of $. Is it still that way, or did it get a bit too crowded? Wayzata looks far enough out in the 'burbs to have plenty of peace.

What I'm concerned about here isn't truth, it's perception. Regardless of where the articles show up, it is out there for out of towners, and will hit on a simple google search. Would a player google search an area if he had a clause? Or would he ask a teammate from the state if it's a nice place to live? What would the teammate say? Does the friend say it's great as long as you stay out of Minneapolis? 

Of course, if you look hard enough, probably every city with a hockey team will have crime pop up. But, would you be willing to deal with it more at 4% state tax, no state tax? 

Anyone reading this, please note, I am not trying to bash the city or the state. I am trying to look at what an outsider would see when deciding if he wants to go there with multiple offers as a UFA, or a guy who has to list teams on an M-NTC. To do that, one must step away from emotions and take a clear look at the place for all its benefits and problems. 

I don't know if hockey players are different than other sports, but the Vikings do not seem to have a problem getting free agents to sign here.  I know the money is much larger, but I would think as a hockey player, playing in a state where hockey is a huge part of the culture would-be a plus.

1 hour ago, mnfaninnc said:

You'd think someone could drum up a bidding war with that type of interest!

If he is traded, I would hope so.

30 minutes ago, SkolWild73 said:

If he is traded, I would hope so.

BG doesn't roll that way. First fair offer that comes along he's gone. We just have to hope our definition of fair matches BG's...

1 hour ago, mnfaninnc said:

That is good to know. I assume that after 40 years of growth that Edina and Minneapolis have expanded. Does Edina bleed into Minneapolis or is there enough of a buffer between the 2? When I lived there, Edina was the capital of $. Is it still that way, or did it get a bit too crowded? Wayzata looks far enough out in the 'burbs to have plenty of peace.

What I'm concerned about here isn't truth, it's perception. Regardless of where the articles show up, it is out there for out of towners, and will hit on a simple google search. Would a player google search an area if he had a clause? Or would he ask a teammate from the state if it's a nice place to live? What would the teammate say? Does the friend say it's great as long as you stay out of Minneapolis? 

Of course, if you look hard enough, probably every city with a hockey team will have crime pop up. But, would you be willing to deal with it more at 4% state tax, no state tax? 

Anyone reading this, please note, I am not trying to bash the city or the state. I am trying to look at what an outsider would see when deciding if he wants to go there with multiple offers as a UFA, or a guy who has to list teams on an M-NTC. To do that, one must step away from emotions and take a clear look at the place for all its benefits and problems. 

I could fill you in on some stuff but I've been pushing my luck here lately...

3 hours ago, SkolWild73 said:

I don't know if hockey players are different than other sports, but the Vikings do not seem to have a problem getting free agents to sign here.  I know the money is much larger, but I would think as a hockey player, playing in a state where hockey is a huge part of the culture would-be a plus.

I tend to agree with this, but don't forget that Canada has a bigger hockey culture than Minnesota.

5 hours ago, Willy the poor boy said:

I could fill you in on some stuff but I've been pushing my luck here lately...

Step out of line with an unpopular opinion or painful truth, and catch a ban... 

Hahaha! RIP Protec.

13 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

I can't remember who it was who defended Minneapolis and their taxes, essentially saying that the national articles were blown out of proportion, which they probably are, and that south Minneapolis has great schools, houses selling above asking price, and is wonderful. The national perception since the George Floyd death has not been as kind to the city. And, if a guy is potentially coming into this market which has a 9.85% state tax rate for his salary, what is he getting out of it? This is more of a national PR problem than anything else in my eyes. But it is likely also the way a potential athlete sees the community. 

Why do you hate the Twin Cities?  I would love an answer to that.  Is it just because you have visited a handful of times and have no clue about what you are talking about and hate to be wrong?  Even though this is where your fandom lies?

You keep quoting tax rates/percentages.  When you were 24 years old, if someone offered you 5 Million a year to play hockey, would you give a flying fuck about 9.85% tax rates (that number is not correct, State is ~7-8-ish IIRC), much less have the wherewithal of shopping tax rates around?   Or would you just sign the contract that fit?

Please go back to suggesting players beef up in the off season and stop insulting my city.  That made much more sense.  

Thanks,

-I.

PS:  Edina, Wazata, Plymouth, Minnetonka-- It is all Metro.  This is not the 1950s.  We are an Urban area.  Fucking Big Lake could be considered Metro-ish.

Guerin will screw up the Rossi situation and the off season in general to continue their run of mediocrity 

14 hours ago, Willy the poor boy said:

I could fill you in on some stuff but I've been pushing my luck here lately..

If it somehow relates to hockey, it should be alright. We are trying not to be political here, but sometimes policy and hockey overlap. For instance, tax policy overlaps with the draw of other areas with different tax policies. Traditional family value policies overlap with areas that are more open to non-traditional family values, which affects how some players will view the issue and the area. 

I think if we keep to the issue instead of calling people names or using slurs to get the point across is absolutely a fair point, and we're not judging the policies themselves other than speculating on how incoming free agents may see the issue. Since hockey is probably the most international sport in a sports league, having to navigate through so many different cultural views is difficult both for the player and team. 

Fact is, an honest conversation on these topics themselves, without relating to hockey can go south in a hurry, and any moderator keeping an eye on the thread will get nervous as we head toward the fence of the boundaries we're given. It also has to be delivered by taking the emotions out of the topic, something that is difficult for some since it is their hot button issue. Yeah, maybe we can only touch on the topic, and can't go any deeper. 

10 hours ago, NoJoSux said:

Step out of line with an unpopular opinion or painful truth, and catch a ban... 

Hahaha! RIP Protec.

Is that what happened to Protec? 

7 hours ago, Wanderinginmn said:

Why do you hate the Twin Cities?  I would love an answer to that.  Is it just because you have visited a handful of times and have no clue about what you are talking about and hate to be wrong?  Even though this is where your fandom lies?

If you think I hate the Twin Cities you're dead wrong. This is where I grew up, but have been gone since '84. I've come back to visit several times, but I'm more on the St. Paul side rather than the Minneapolis side. It feels like home when I come in.

Yes, I looked up the tax rates. 9.85% is what is charged on the top earners of the state, which would be NHL salaries. It's less for people under about $160k. I've said I don't have a handle on the area, specifically since I haven't visited in about 10 years. But, every visit, I would look very forward to coming home. 

Your point is well taken on a Metro area. This is why I asked the question of growth. I can look at a map but wonder if growth has blurred the boundaries of what was 40 years ago. I can go back to my area and point out this wasn't here, and that wasn't there when I lived here, but that's in a different local area. 

No, I don't hate the area at all, and every negative article I see makes me sad. But, I also realize that in 40 years, it's not the same place I grew up. The landmarks I remember as new and fascinating look old when I visited last. I've now been outside the state longer than I've been inside, but that doesn't change the memories of where and when I grew up. 

1 hour ago, mnfaninnc said:

Is that what happened to Protec? 

I assume he's just on summer break.

3 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

 

Fact is, an honest conversation on these topics themselves, without relating to hockey can go south in a hurry, and any moderator keeping an eye on the thread will get nervous as we head toward the fence of the boundaries we're given. It also has to be delivered by taking the emotions out of the topic, something that is difficult for some since it is their hot button issue. Yeah, maybe we can only touch on the topic, and can't go any deeper. 

Agreed.

I was just gonna touch on how the crime is spreading to the burbs...

On 6/9/2025 at 9:30 AM, mnfaninnc said:

I read an interesting piece that said there was a potential deal last summer of Marner going to Vegas for Karlsson. Toronto also asked for Theodore. Here's the interesting part, this trade was nixed by Karlsson who has an M-NTC. It looks like players want no part of playing in Canada and that the report on that was accurate. 

I believe that players are paid in $, not C$. But, Canada takes them to the cleaners in taxes, so most players just simply keep Canadian teams on their list. Since MN is a higher tax state, one could glean from this that they may not be much of a destination either. 

Looking at this through the player's eyes, I saw another national article last week on a problem in Minneapolis. I didn't read the article, but just that headline is negative coverage for Minneapolis making an out of towner wonder what is wrong with the community there. 

I can't remember who it was who defended Minneapolis and their taxes, essentially saying that the national articles were blown out of proportion, which they probably are, and that south Minneapolis has great schools, houses selling above asking price, and is wonderful. The national perception since the George Floyd death has not been as kind to the city. And, if a guy is potentially coming into this market which has a 9.85% state tax rate for his salary, what is he getting out of it? This is more of a national PR problem than anything else in my eyes. But it is likely also the way a potential athlete sees the community. 

Many M-NTC contracts are 10 team. Some are 15. While I think the 7 Canadian teams + Buffalo, Columbus are on that list, maybe NJ is #10? Where does MN fit on this list? Would they be in the top 15? I think this is truly possible, and something that Shooter is going to have to overcome. This typically translates to overpayment. 

Minneapolis is a shit hole compared to what it used to be. It's surprising that so many Wild players choose to live downtown Mpls.