Pierre LeBrun Reveals Major Update in Marco Rossi Sweepstakes Involving the Canucks and Flames

A number of Canadian clubs have been rumored to have interest in pending RFA center Marco Rossi, but most interested are the Vancouver Canucks, as reported by Pierre LeBrun of 'The Athletic'.

The Flames have also entertained the possibility but would prefer a more physical center; however, should there be a lack of quality names when the time comes, Calgary may have no choice but to push for Rossi.

Rossi is expected to be a key name on the trade market this summer. The Wild have ramped up efforts to move him following the season, despite previously denying such intentions.

However, no frontrunner has emerged yet, partly due to Rossi's reported demand for a long-term deal worth $49 million over seven years ($7 million AAV).

The 23-year-old is coming off a breakout year with 24 goals and 60 points in 82 games. He stepped up to the challenge despite limited ice time with Kirill Kaprizov and was the team's second-leading scorer.

Having overcome post-COVID health issues early in his career, Rossi has now established himself as a reliable top-six center.

Vancouver would work well for Rossi, especially after trading J.T. Miller to New York for Filip Chytil. Rossi would be the Canucks' secondary center behind Elias Pettersson and bump Chytil into a more acceptable third-line role.

That trio would give Vancouver an intimidating one-two-three punch down the middle come the 2025-26 season.

In terms of a return, Minnesota might want a young winger back, as a draft pick seems to be out of the question.

While high prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki would likely be out of the equation, a deal centered on 23-year-old Nils Hoglander, along with additional assets, would be a fair starting point.