Key Contract Update on Marco Rossi Could Shift Maple Leafs Trade Picture
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Wild re-signed RFA Marco Rossi to a three-yer, $15-million deal on Friday, which means the Maple Leafs have a good idea of what to give their own RFA's.
Well, among the speculation over the last several weeks when it comes to NHL signings and trades, the subject of Marco Rossi and whether or not he'll re-sign with the Minnesota Wild, or end up getting traded due to a contract roadblock.
There was progress towards a potential deal, and it seems those talks escalated quite rapidly.
Marco Rossi Re-Signs With Minnesota; What This Means for the NHL
According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, the Wild and Rossi have come to terms on a three-year, $15-million deal that will act as a bridge deal for the young star to build his stock ahead of a much larger payday down the road.
The caveat on this deal is that Rossi will end up making $6-million on his final year which will push his qualifying offer much higher; which could end up leading to a team presenting an offer sheet if the Wild refuser to offer him a QO.
Rossi, 23, has 101 points in 185 games for the Wild since being drafted 9th overall in 2020 (45 goals, 56 assists).
The consensus around the re-signing of Rossi is that unless he emerges as an NHL phenom, the money paid out and his potential is a massive win for the Wild.
How This Could Affect Toronto's Own RFA Problems
Well, considering how good Rossi is, he deserves every penny of his new deal, but it also means that other RFA's who are on the cusp of breaking out could also end up cashing in next summer.
Case in point, Toronto's Matias Maccelli. If he ends up breaking out and hitting 60+ points in his first year, plus ends up finding chemistry with Auston Matthews it could end up bringing in a massive uptick in salary.
Plus, if he can end up being the playoff producer Toronto needs desperately, then he is going to become even more valuable and at only 24 years old, it's best to lock him down long-term especially if the stock is rising.
We aren't talking about Matthew Knies and his level of salary; he's another animal. But if Rossi earns $5-million AAV, then you can expect Maccelli to earn that or above if he does well.
You also have Nick Robertson who may also break out and if he does, you can bet your bottom dollar he's going to fight for the biggest salary possible.
So for Marco Rossi, he's got himself solidified in Minnesota's lineup for the next three seasons.
But his signing opens up a whole new can of worms for the Maple Leafs, and that's the last thing they needed right now.
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