Wild Reportedly Close to Signing Marco Rossi to Contract

Well, it's almost late August and we might be finally getting an end to the saga that has been Marco Rossi's contract negotiations with the Minnesota Wild. And it most likely will end with a whimper.

According to The Athletic's Michael Russo, there has been "significant progress" towards the Wild being able to sign Rossi to a contract and it certainly looks like it is going to be a basic bridge deal.

While a short-term deal makes the most sense for both sides -- the Wild don't want to commit term and dollars to Rossi for some reason, and the player can inch closer to unrestricted free agency with more of evidence that he truly is a top-six center -- it doesn't feel like the dramatic end we were all hoping for. Whether it was maybe trading Rossi for a massive win-now upgrade, or signing the 23-year-old center to a long-term deal that would turn out to be a bargain in a year or two; those were some preferred options compared to a quiet and simple two- or three-year contract.

We have to assume this all gets settled before training camp opens next month.

• If anyone is going to win this negotiation with Rossi, it's Wild GM Bill Guerin, who played hardball and gets to keep a talented young player for cheap. [Hockey Wilderness]
• Charlie Stramel has been an interesting prospect to follow from his terrible freshman year in Wisconsin to a true breakout season with Michigan State. Now back with the Spartans and on a roster loaded with incoming top prospects like Cayden Lindstrom and Porter Martone, this might be the opportunity Stramel needs to even further develop. [Hockey Wilderness]

Off the trail...

• Three questions facing the very old Pittsburgh Penguins before the 2025-26 season. [NHL.com]
• The Chicago Blackhawks has committed to one of their top young players, by signing Frank Nazar to a substantial seven-year contract. [TheScore]