Marco Rossi’s name has surfaced in trade chatter, and the Boston Bruins should be paying close attention.
The 23-year-old center may not yet be a top-line fixture, but he’s coming off a 60-point season and would instantly bring youth, skill and upside to a Bruins roster that’s still looking for long-term answers down the middle. While Rossi’s fit with the Minnesota Wild has become murky amid a contract stalemate, his potential impact in Boston is clear.
“Boston’s best bet this summer lies in the trade market,” The Boston Globe’s Connor Ryan noted.
This is particularly true with the free-agent pool at center lacking top-tier options. The Bruins already have cap space, a top-10 pick and a clear need for more high-end talent at center. Rossi, a former No. 9 overall pick, could slide in behind Elias Lindholm and give the Bruins an immediate upgrade.
The Wild may be hesitant to move him, but they are listening. According to The Athletic‘s Michael Russo, Rossi has turned down two contract offers and is reportedly seeking a seven-year deal at $7 million annually. Whether Minnesota decides to meet his price or move on, multiple teams, including Boston, are reportedly monitoring the situation.
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Rossi’s profile is not without drawbacks. He’s undersized and has struggled in limited playoff minutes. But he also ranked in the top percentiles in high-danger goals and shots this season, scoring 18 of his 24 goals from the dirty areas. For a Bruins team that struggled to generate quality chances in the postseason, Rossi’s touch around the net could help reset the offense.
Targeting Rossi could be a smart way for Boston to capitalize on the prime years of David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy.