The Vancouver Canucks know what’s missing from their lineup – a second-line center. Someone who can drive offense and anchor the middle of the ice, while taking pressure off Elias Pettersson.
But with the calendar ticking toward the new season, the window to fix that hole is closing fast.
However, recent reports suggest that discussions could be taking place between the Canucks and the Minnesota Wild over a possible trade involving restricted free agent Marco Rossi. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, an offer earlier this summer that included Vancouver’s first-round draft pick was rejected by the Wild, but as long as the lines of communication remain open, a deal can still be reached.
And Heavy.com would like to help, putting forth a proposal that sends winger Nils Höglander, rising center prospect Aatu Räty, and a 2026 second-round pick to Minnesota Wild for Rossi, the 23-year-old center.
Minnesota Talks With Restricted Free Agent Marco Rossi Have Reportedly Stalled
The No. 9 overall pick in 2020, Rossi has quietly evolved into a two-way center with offensive chops and defensive responsibility. He scored 24 goals with 36 assists in 82 games last season, and while he is on the smaller side at 5-foot-9, 182 pounds, Rossi has used his excellent hockey sense and IQ to develop as an outstanding playmaker who can create offense in the tough areas.
However, Minnesota faces a dilemma.
Rossi is reportedly seeking a contract in the neighborhood of seven years, $49 million, but Wild general manager Bill Guerin is known to take a conservative approach when it comes to the team’s budget. Guerin also has the upcoming free agency of superstar Kirill Kaprizov to consider, and with talks on Rossi’s next contract appearing to have stalled, perhaps the Wild will look to cash in now and get assets ready to contribute both immediately and in the future.
Which is where the trade pitch from Vancouver would come into play.
Höglander, a 24-year-old winger, brings NHL experience, energy, and a solid scoring touch. He logged 25 points last year after earning 36 the season before, and he fits the mold of a versatile, hard-working forward. Räty, still developing, is a promising center prospect who impressed with his poise and skill in the AHL last season. And a second-round pick in 2026 adds an element of future value to sweeten the deal.
Adding Marco Rossi Would Give Canucks a Nice Complement to Elias Pettersson
For the Canucks, this package balances the need to add a key piece down the middle while not sacrificing too much of their young talent base. Rossi’s style complements Elias Pettersson nicely – a reliable two-way center who can take tough defensive draws and also drive offense. With the Western Conference tightening and the Canucks eager to advance beyond recent playoff frustrations, adding Rossi could be the push they need.
The Wild, meanwhile, would get a ready-now winger to slot into their top six, a high-upside center prospect who could emerge in a couple of years, and a valuable draft pick to reload their pipeline. It’s a trade that blends the present and future.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed. Minnesota’s willingness to move a player of Rossi’s talent hinges on contract talks and the team’s own timeline. Vancouver’s appetite to part with both Höglander and Räty, along with a valuable pick, depends on its confidence that Rossi can fill a glaring roster hole.
But as a thought experiment, this package makes plenty of sense. It respects the realities of both rosters while offering an intriguing path forward for two teams looking to balance competitiveness with long-term growth.
Sometimes, the best deals start with a bold idea.
