The Minnesota Wild management is currently focused on the financial implications of signing superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov. However, they also face the important task of evaluating whether center Marco Rossi is aligned with their long-term strategic vision. Rossi, who has one year remaining on his entry-level contract without arbitration rights, recorded a career-high 60 points this season, ranking him second among the Wild's scorers. As he looks toward his next contract, a significant raise is expected, yet his performance during the final stretch of the season raised questions about his role within the team, even resulting in some time spent as the center on the fourth line.

Following the Wild's playoff elimination, analysts Michael Russo and Joe Smith from The Athletic sparked discussions regarding the potential for re-signing or trading Rossi. His name had previously surfaced in NHL trade rumors earlier in the season before General Manager Bill Guerin stated that Rossi would remain with the team. Despite a season characterized by inconsistency, Rossi's youthful energy and offensive skill set could make him a target for other teams looking to bolster their rosters. As the summer approaches, Rossi’s profile will likely attract attention, especially in the context of offer sheets post-July 1.

Among the teams rumored to be interested in Rossi is the Montreal Canadiens, as reported by Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette on May 9. The Canadiens aim to acquire a second-line center this offseason, with options ranging from exploring the free-agent market to possibly extending an offer sheet to a restricted free agent like Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks. While alternate free-agent centers may prioritize re-signing with their current teams or joining established contenders, Rossi's fit within the Canadiens' developing roster could be beneficial. Montreal could pursue a trade offering one of their two first-round picks in the upcoming draft and potentially including a prospect like Owen Beck or Kirby Dach, should Dach no longer fit into their plans.

The New York Islanders find themselves in a similar situation. Following the trade of Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche, the Islanders are in need of a second-line center. With the impending hiring of a new general manager, Marco Rossi could be considered one of their offseason strategies. Analyst Stefen Rosner from The Hockey News mentioned that the Islanders, along with Winnipeg Jets center Gabriel Vilardi, might look to target offer sheets. Rossi's availability would be contingent upon negotiations, and a trade could also be on the table, possibly involving one of the Islanders' two first-round picks in the upcoming draft along with either a prospect or veteran center Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

In Pittsburgh, the Penguins are undergoing a transitional phase, as noted by The Athletic's Josh Yohe. The Penguins' management seeks to rejuvenate the roster while navigating the eventual departure of stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now believes Marco Rossi could seamlessly fit into the Penguins’ future plans. While the Penguins usually avoid the term 'rebuild,' acquiring Rossi could provide a notable boost to their second-line center position as Malkin nears retirement. However, any potential offer sheet for Rossi would incur significant costs, requiring compensation, potentially including a first and third-round pick.

The Philadelphia Flyers, having traded Scott Laughton to the Toronto Maple Leafs, face a pressing need for center depth. With restricted free agent Noah Cates contemplating a one-year deal that may lead to unrestricted free agency next summer, Rossi could gain traction among the Flyers' list of targets. Jonathan Bailey of The Hockey News highlighted that Rossi would be an ideal addition, complementing the young goal-scoring talent of Matvei Michkov. Should the Flyers pursue an offer sheet for Rossi, it could necessitate sacrificing their 2026 first-round pick. In the realm of trades, the Flyers have potential assets, including Cates, Tyson Foerster, or Owen Tippett, as they strategize for the upcoming draft.

The Vancouver Canucks are also evaluating their roster following a tumultuous season marked by the trade of J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. With the position of second-line center now needing immediate attention, analyst Frank Corrado considered Marco Rossi as a viable option for the Canucks. Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre suggested the team could leverage their 2025 first-round pick as part of a strategic move to strengthen their lineup. As the team aims to improve for the upcoming season, assuring team captain Quinn Hughes of a commitment towards playoff contention may influence his long-term contract decision.