Trade rumors are swirling — a common occurrence during this time of year, especially with the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Conference Finals.
While eliminated teams usually hold off on making significant moves until the offseason, the speculation never truly stops.
That’s exactly what’s happening with the Minnesota Wild, as buzz has emerged surrounding young forward Marco Rossi potentially being on the trade block.
If those rumors are accurate, the Chicago Blackhawks should already be working the phones.
Rossi, drafted ninth overall by Minnesota in 2020, has developed into a solid NHL contributor despite early-career health challenges. At 23, he’s already logged 185 games and notched 101 points (45 goals, 56 assists).
He’s coming off a breakout 2024-25 campaign, posting career highs across the board: 24 goals, 36 assists, and 60 points — suggesting even bigger seasons could be ahead.
Though on the smaller side — which may contribute to his availability — Rossi’s skill and potential have drawn comparisons to former NHL standout Daniel Brière.
He’s a versatile forward who could thrive alongside Chicago’s young stars like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, contributing at both even strength and on the power play.
As a restricted free agent, Rossi could attract offer sheets if Minnesota delays signing him. However, for a team like Chicago, that route risks sacrificing future draft capital — particularly in the promising 2026 draft class.
A trade, if the Wild are willing to deal within the division, might be the smarter path. The Blackhawks have a surplus of defensemen to offer, and acquiring a 23-year-old forward like Rossi would align perfectly with their rebuild.
Any team pursuing Rossi would need to sign him to a long-term, likely high-value deal — but considering his upward trajectory, that investment could pay off handsomely.
If paired with a smart draft pick and a couple of savvy free-agent additions, Rossi could help turn the Blackhawks into a potent offensive force in 2025-26.
