The Minnesota Wild management is currently focused on the implications of re-signing superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov while also evaluating the long-term role of center Marco Rossi within the organization. Rossi, whose entry-level contract is nearing its conclusion, performed impressively this past season, achieving a career-high of 60 points, which placed him second among the team's scorers. However, having not accrued arbitration rights yet at the age of 23, he is expected to seek a substantial raise on his upcoming contract.

Despite his successes, Rossi experienced challenges towards the end of the season, which saw him briefly occupying a position on the Wild's fourth line. After the team was eliminated from the playoffs, analysts Michael Russo and Joe Smith from The Athletic speculated on whether the Wild would choose to re-sign or trade the young center. Rossi’s name has frequently surfaced in trade discussions, particularly earlier in the season, until Wild general manager Bill Guerin publicly stated his intention to retain the promising center. Additionally, as the trade deadline approached in April 2025, Rossi was mentioned in potential trade scenarios. While his inconsistent performance has sparked doubts, his youth and offensive talent render him an attractive prospect for potential suitors in the league, especially as he could become an offer-sheet candidate after July 1.

In a related development, Pat Hickey from the Montreal Gazette reported on May 9 that the Montreal Canadiens' priority for the offseason revolves around securing a second-line center. They may pursue options via free agency or consider offering an offer sheet to a restricted free agent like Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks. The available unrestricted free agents, including Brock Nelson from Colorado, Matt Duchene from Dallas, Sam Bennett from Florida, and John Tavares from Toronto, could either choose to re-sign with their current teams or opt for joining a well-established contender. McTavish might hesitate to sign an offer sheet, making Rossi a more feasible target for Montreal. Although the 5'9”, 182-pound Rossi may not meet the ideal size criteria preferred by the Canadiens, his youth and skillset align well with the team's growing core. Furthermore, Rossi may display a greater willingness to accept an offer sheet than McTavish, creating the possibility of the Canadiens exploring a trade instead. They could consider trading one of their two first-round picks (16th and 17th overall) in the upcoming draft, possibly paired with a prospect center like Owen Beck or Oliver Kapanen, or forward Kirby Dach if he no longer fits their long-term goals.

Considering recent trades, the New York Islanders have sought to fill the void left by Brock Nelson's departure to the Colorado Avalanche. The acquisition of promising center Calum Ritchie provided depth, but he is not currently prepared to assume the second-line center role. As the Islanders embark on a search for a new general manager, Marco Rossi could emerge as a potential target during the offseason. Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News highlighted Rossi and Winnipeg Jets center Gabriel Vilardi as candidates for an offer sheet. The estimated cost for signing Vilardi may be comparable to Matt Coronato's seven-year, $6.5 million average annual value contract with the Calgary Flames. Should Rossi decline an offer sheet, the Islanders could look to secure him via trade. They may consider including one of their 2026 first-round picks along with a prospect or a veteran center such as Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has one year remaining on his contract.

In Pittsburgh, management has refrained from labeling their strategy as a rebuild, despite indications that the team has been transitioning away from aging stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang for over a year. Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now posited that Marco Rossi would be a suitable addition for the Penguins, recognizing the impending void at the second-line center position as Malkin is likely to retire when his contract ends after the 2025-26 season. Kingerski noted that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas prefers acquiring pending restricted free agents through trades instead of offer sheets. He emphasized that pursuing Rossi with an offer sheet exceeding $5 million annually could result in the Penguins losing a first and a third-round pick in compensation. While acquiring Rossi would involve certain costs, Kingerski suggested it might require relinquishing the Rangers' 2026 first-round pick along with some of their top-line wingers, indicating potential trades involving Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell.

The Philadelphia Flyers, having traded Scott Laughton to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline, find themselves in need of additional depth at center, a need that could become critical if restricted free agent Noah Cates opts for a one-year contract that enables him to move toward unrestricted free agency next summer. Marco Rossi could figure prominently on the Flyers' radar as they undergo a rebuilding phase. Jonathan Bailey of The Hockey News asserted that Rossi would address the Flyers' center depth needs, particularly as a linemate for young goal-scoring winger Matvei Michkov. The Flyers could consider an offer sheet for Rossi, though that would entail sacrificing their 2026 first-round pick, which might hold significant value if they finish among the bottom 10 teams in the upcoming season. Bailey identified that the Flyers possess an abundance of wingers and draft picks available for bundling into a potential trade proposal, mentioning players like Cates (a Minnesota native), Tyson Foerster, or Owen Tippett as potential trade candidates. Moreover, parting with one of their three first-round picks in this year’s draft may also be a consideration.

The Vancouver Canucks experienced a tumultuous season culminating in the trade of J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers on January 31, leaving them searching for someone to effectively transition into the second-line center position behind first-line talent Elias Pettersson. During a May 8 episode of the Sekeres and Price podcast, TSN analyst Frank Corrado suggested that Marco Rossi could be a viable option to address this need. It is speculated that the Canucks could be among the leading teams reaching out to the Wild concerning the 23-year-old center. Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre indicated that the Canucks might consider leveraging their 2025 first-round pick (15th overall) as a trade asset to secure immediate assistance for their roster. While specific targets were not mentioned, Rossi may very well be included in the conversations. Securing a rebound season is crucial for the Canucks as they aim to convince team captain Quinn Hughes, who can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027, that they are committed to becoming a playoff contender and encourage him to agree to an extension.