The Boston Bruins are being closely linked to Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi, whose unresolved contract situation has sparked growing trade speculation across the NHL.
With the Bruins in need of a long-term solution at center, league insiders suggest now may be the ideal moment for Boston to make a move.
Rossi, 23, is coming off a breakout season with 60 points and has emerged as one of the most intriguing trade candidates this offseason. Despite not yet reaching elite status, the 2020 No. 9 overall draft pick has demonstrated top-six upside through his speed, skill, and sharp hockey sense—qualities the Bruins could greatly benefit from.
The Bruins find themselves in a favorable position: they possess both salary cap flexibility and a top-10 draft pick. If they manage to land top free-agent center Elias Lindholm and add Rossi via trade, Boston could rapidly bolster its top-six forward group, shoring up a critical area that has lacked stability since the departures of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
Contract negotiations between Rossi and the Wild have reportedly stalled. According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, Rossi is seeking a seven-year deal with a $7 million average annual value—terms that may not fit Minnesota’s cap constraints. While the Wild are not actively shopping the forward, they are open to serious trade discussions.
Rossi’s gritty offensive style—highlighted by 18 of his 24 goals coming from high-danger scoring areas—aligns well with the Bruins’ identity. Boston’s lack of net-front scoring punch was glaring in their second-round playoff exit, and Rossi’s knack for scoring in traffic could be a remedy.
Beyond his skillset, Rossi’s age and trajectory make him a logical fit for Boston’s evolving core led by David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy. He’s young, NHL-proven, and trending upward—attributes not often available via trade.
With the free-agent market thin at center, and few top-six-caliber pivots expected to become available, the Bruins may not get a better opportunity to secure a long-term solution at the position.
If the Wild remain hesitant to meet Rossi’s contract demands, Boston could leverage its draft capital and cap space to present an appealing trade offer.
For a franchise aiming to remain competitive while preparing for a future beyond its veteran leaders, Marco Rossi represents both an answer to a pressing need and a potential cornerstone for years to come. The time to act, as many insiders suggest, may be now.
