As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare for life after their aging core, GM Kyle Dubas is turning his attention to acquiring youthful talent with NHL experience—and one name gaining traction is Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi.
Rossi, 23, just completed his second full NHL season, tallying 24 goals and 36 assists in 82 games. Despite that production, questions remain about his long-term role in Minnesota. Wild GM Bill Guerin is facing a cap crunch, and with Kirill Kaprizov due a massive new contract and top prospects like Danila Yurov and Zeev Buium on the horizon, Rossi could become expendable.
Penguins See Marco Rossi as a Future Top-Six Center
Penguins insider Dan Kingerski has linked Rossi to Pittsburgh, citing Dubas’ preference for acquiring restricted free agents via trade instead of the rarely used offer sheet. Rossi fits that profile and would help fill the looming void when Evgeni Malkin’s storied career ends, possibly after next season.
The Penguins are reportedly exploring a deal centered around their 2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected) or a veteran winger like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell. With a desire to remain competitive during a retool, adding a high-upside young center like Rossi aligns with Dubas’ vision.
From a team-building perspective, Rossi offers the kind of two-way intelligence and playmaking the Penguins covet. While his transition to the NHL wasn’t immediate, his improved skating and offensive confidence were on display last season. Surrounded by veterans like Sidney Crosby, Rossi could thrive in Pittsburgh’s system and eventually anchor a scoring line.
My Take:
Rossi would be a smart, forward-looking addition for the Penguins, but if Minnesota makes him available, Pittsburgh won’t be the only team calling. Suitors could include the Bruins, Canadiens, Islanders, Sabres, Avalanche, Flames, Flyers, and Canucks—clubs all with either cap space, prospect capital, or a similar need down the middle.
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