The Vancouver Canucks are looking for ways to get back into the playoffs next season, and an NHL insider has linked them to star player Marco Rossi.
The Vancouver Canucks appear to have a strong interest in Marco Rossi. The 23-year-old centre is coming off a breakout 60-point campaign (24 goals, 36 assists) in his second full NHL season with the Minnesota Wild.
Despite his progress, Rossi's future in Minnesota is uncertain. He's a restricted free agent and reportedly fell out of favour with both head coach John Hynes and GM Bill Guerin.
On Sportsnet 650, Michael Russo of 'The Athletic' said he expects Rossi to be traded by the end of the month, and that one of the teams in on him is the Canucks.
'The Canucks are one of the teams interested in Wild centerman Marco Rossi .'- Michael Russo
Rossi, at 5-foot-9, qualifies for a pay raise after completing his rookie deal. But Guerin is reported not to wish to ink a large contract with Rossi, considering his height.
AFP Analytics is forecasting Rossi to sign a two-year deal worth $4.5 million annually, or a seven-year deal worth $7.39 million per year.
Bill Guerin and Jim Rutherford used to work together in Pittsburgh
A potential trade would be facilitated by the existing rapport between Guerin and Canucks president Jim Rutherford, who worked with him in Pittsburgh for five years.
Rossi accumulated three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in six playoff games last spring but was limited to the fourth line and saw his ice time cut drastically, from 18:15 in the regular season to just 11:08 in the playoffs.
He played no longer than 12:10 in any of the playoff games. The next few weeks could be very interesting for Canucks fans and the organization.
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