The New York Rangers are making waves by expressing a keen interest in Marco Rossi, looking to infuse some youthful vigor into their lineup with a center that’s under 25 and possesses serious top-six potential. The big question here is whether head coach Mike Sullivan can unlock the full potential of Rossi, a move that could signal a significant shift in the Rangers’ ongoing retooling strategy.
At the same time, the Rangers are considering sending Alexis Lafreniere to Minnesota for a fresh start, but their offer, which swaps Lafreniere straight up for Rossi, might not stack up in terms of value. When you break down the numbers, it’s clear why Minnesota holds a stronger hand. Rossi has already proven more productive with a higher point-per-game rate over half as many games as Lafreniere, already surpassing the 100-point milestone.
With back-to-back 20-goal seasons and his first 60-point season secured, Rossi has offered substantial value to the Wild. Lafreniere, while selected first overall in 2020, hasn’t quite matched the pace set by Rossi, who despite being drafted later, has outperformed not just Lafreniere but also Quinton Byfield, the second overall pick of the same draft class.
For the Rangers to successfully bring Rossi to the Big Apple, they would need to sweeten the deal beyond just Lafreniere. If such a trade does happen, expect Rossi to secure a long-term deal that reflects his contribution, perhaps in the ballpark of $8 million annually over 6-7 years.
The Rangers have some cap space to work with — $8.4 million, to be precise — which might balloon to nearly $15.9 million if they clear Lafreniere’s contract. However, they’ll need to manage this space skillfully, as key players like K’Andre Miller, who won’t settle for a bridge deal, and Will Cuylle are due for raises. Miller, coming off a $3.8 million cap hit, is likely to seek a contract starting north of $6 million, while Cuylle’s first 20-goal season will have him eyeing a deal over $3.5 million.
Within these chess moves is the possibility of trading Miller as the Rangers gamble on the youth factor, potentially keeping Cuylle for his promising offense. If the Wild see Miller in their plans, they’d be bringing back a native Minnesotan to add depth and create room for young talent like Zeev Buium to mature.
Let’s talk trade scenarios: sending Marco Rossi, Jonas Brodin, and others to New York, while Minnesota gets a package of Alexis Lafreniere, Vincent Trocheck, K’Andre Miller, and a couple of draft picks. It’s a hefty deal that would see the Wild part with Brodin, but with Miller’s size and defensive capabilities, Minnesota could be pressing ‘go’ on an upgrade with youth.
The potential upside of Kreider joining Minnesota can’t be overstated. A tough season aside, his blend of size and speed is ideal for a role alongside Kaprizov. That duo could reignite Kreider’s 30-goal spark, maybe even pushing him toward 40, particularly with a new-old partner like Zuccarello. This chemistry could also redefine their special teams, with Kreider becoming a formidable net-front presence, rekindling past connections and opening lanes for Kaprizov.
Kreider and Trocheck aren’t just offensive assets; their penalty-killing prowess brings a new edge to the Wild that they desperately need. Trocheck, a standout in short-handed goals, paired with Kreider, would enhance Minnesota’s PK, addressing one of their softer spots. Lafreniere slots in as a solid second-line fixture, his development nurtured alongside Boldy and Trocheck, with the chance to step up over time.
Meanwhile, Gaudreau’s history with Sullivan gives him an edge, adding depth and familiarity to a reimagined Rangers squad. Trocheck’s playoff track record — 20 points in 16 games — is exactly the kind of experience and secondary scoring the Wild could harness to help players like Yurov blossom.
The Wild’s roadmap to contending in the 2025-26 season appears bold and ambitious, addressing special teams and welcoming strategic player changes. With a reshuffled lineup post-trade, they’re set to offer a new-look game that hinges not just on big names but also on smart tactical growth, readying for a serious playoff push.
