The NHL rumor mill is churning as teams navigate the offseason, with key contract negotiations and potential trades dominating headlines. This weekend, the spotlight is on Marco Rossi's extension talks with the Minnesota Wild, the timeline for Connor McDavid's next contract with the Edmonton Oilers, and potential movement for Nazem Kadri.
Marco Rossi's Contract Standoff in Minnesota
Marco Rossi's contract situation with the Minnesota Wild has reached a standstill, with reports indicating that the two sides haven't engaged in meaningful discussions for weeks. The 23-year-old center is coming off a strong season where he tallied 24 goals and 36 assists, becoming a key offensive contributor for the Wild. However, negotiations for a contract extension have been challenging. Rossi has reportedly turned down a five-year extension offer averaging $5 million per season, deeming it insufficient. He is believed to be seeking a long-term contract with a salary that would place him close to the team's highest-paid players.
The Wild, on the other hand, are reportedly hesitant to meet Rossi's demands, with General Manager Bill Guerin unwilling to discuss a deal in the $6 million AAV range. Minnesota's reluctance may stem from the upcoming extension talks with star Kirill Kaprizov, as the team likely wants to maintain financial flexibility. Another factor is that the Wild might prefer to sign Rossi to a "bridge deal," a shorter-term contract that would allow the team to reassess his value in a few years. Rossi is reportedly hesitant to sign a bridge deal after being demoted to the fourth line in the playoffs.
With negotiations stalled, the possibility of an offer sheet from another team looms. If another team offers Rossi a contract that the Wild are unwilling to match, they would receive draft pick compensation. However, the Wild could also explore trading Rossi if they don't see a path toward reaching an agreement.
Connor McDavid's Extension Timeline in Edmonton
Edmonton Oilers fans are eagerly awaiting news about Connor McDavid's contract extension. The superstar captain is entering the final year of his eight-year, $100 million contract. While there haven't been any concrete advancements in contract talks since the end of the season, there is optimism that a deal will get done. Oilers insider Bob Stauffer suggested that negotiations might gain momentum after Leon Draisaitl's wedding in the first weekend of August. TSN insider Ryan Rishaug also reported that an extension for McDavid could be upcoming early in August.
McDavid's importance to the Oilers cannot be overstated. The 28-year-old is considered the face of the franchise and one of the best players in the world. Locking him up long-term is the Oilers' top priority. While some fans have expressed concern over the lack of news, insiders have nearly guaranteed that McDavid will re-sign with Edmonton. If McDavid were to reach free agency in 2026, he would likely have numerous suitors, including Original Six teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Nazem Kadri Trade Rumors
Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri's name has surfaced in trade rumors. While it's unclear how serious these rumors are, Kadri could be a valuable addition to a team seeking a veteran center with offensive capabilities. Keep an eye on this situation as the offseason progresses.
