Vancouver Canucks Back in Blockbuster Trade Talks With Western Conference Rival

While previous reports suggested the Canucks were interested in acquiring Wild restricted free agent center Marco Rossi during the offseason, it has been quiet on the topic for weeks because Minnesota didn't get the type of offers they were seeking.

With training camp mere weeks away, Vancouver is once again expressing interest if "contract negotiations between Marco Rossi and the Wild reach a point of no return," a league source informed RG's James Murphy.

Neither team has had serious talks with Minnesota since mid-July, the source went on to say.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin spoke to James Murphy last week and gave little information on negotiations with Rossi and future UFA sensation Kirill Kaprizov, saying there were "no real updates" on either front.

The two parties have had no substantive talks since June, and there is little time to hammer out a new deal if a trade cannot be agreed on.

Both Rossi and the Wild are assumed to seek an extension for the long haul, but there are obstacles, as Rossi is attempting to secure a large payday, while Minnesota wants a proven top-six forward in return to remain competitive.

That creates a problem for Vancouver. Rossi would be a natural offensive upgrade over their current second-line forwards, but Bill Guerin won't budge on an offer centered around Filip Chytil, whose concussion history might limit his trade value.

Unless the Canucks have something more enticing to offer, their pursuit likely won't get very far.

Still, with contract talks stalled and camp approaching, Rossi's future in Minnesota is increasingly uncertain. Whether it's Vancouver or another team, this storyline is one worth watching in the weeks ahead.