Wild's latest contract move could spell trouble for the Avalanche
Photo credit: Nick Wosika / Imagn Images
The Minnesota Wild's decision to lock up young star forward Marco Rossi with a new contract extension could have ripple effects across the Central Division, potentially spelling trouble for the Colorado Avalanche as they prepare for the seasons ahead.
The Wild signed Rossi to a new three-year contract that will kick in at the start of next NHL season.
Wild lock up young star forward Marco Rossi.
Tyler Kuehl from the Daily Faceoff writes that the contract comes with an average annual value of $5 million and runs through the 2027-28 season.
According to Michael Russo of the Athletic, Rossi's qualifying offer at the end of the deal, leading into his first year of unrestricted free agency, will sit at $6 million.
"The negotiations between Rossi and the Wild have been highly publicized, with the player asking for a long-term deal with a cap hit projected in the $7 million range. There were reports that the Vancouver Canucks had interest in trading for the young Austrian. It seems like Rossi's camp and Bill Guerin's crew were able to come to an agreement that was good enough for both sides." -Kuehl
Following a steady 40-point rookie campaign in 2023-24, Rossi elevated last season, posting career highs with 24 goals, 36 assists, and 60 points. He finished second on the team in scoring behind Matt Boldy and trailed only Kirill Kaprizov in goals.
"With back-to-back 20-goal seasons, Rossi is starting to show that potential that led to the Wild taking him in the first round, ninth overall, in the 2020 NHL Draft. As Minnesota looks to become a true contender, Rossi's skill set will be a vital piece if the team wants to make deep runs in the playoffs in the future." -Kuehl
Across 185 regular-season NHL games, Rossi has tallied 45 goals and 56 assists for a total of 101 points, while adding three points in six career Stanley Cup Playoff games.
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AOUT 24 | 30 ANSWERS Wild's latest contract move could spell trouble for the Avalanche Are the Minnesota Wild going to finish ahead of the Avalanche next NHL season? | ||
| yes | 1 | 3.3 % |
| no | 29 | 96.7 % |
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