The NHL rumor mill is churning as teams prepare for the 2025-2026 season. Key topics include contract extensions for Marco Rossi and Connor McDavid, and the aftermath of the Mitch Marner trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Marco Rossi Signs with the Wild
Marco Rossi and the Minnesota Wild have agreed to a three-year, $15 million bridge contract. The deal carries an average annual value of $5 million. This agreement concludes weeks of speculation, with reports indicating trade interest from the Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken. The contract provides Rossi with a $6 million qualifying offer heading into unrestricted free agency.
Michael Russo of The Athletic reports the contract's specific breakdown as $4 million, $5 million, and $6 million over the three years. This bridge deal allows the Wild to maintain cost control while retaining trade flexibility. Despite Rossi's high potential, General Manager Bill Guerin has been hesitant to commit to a long-term deal.
Rossi, a 23-year-old restricted free agent (RFA), is coming off a season where he scored 24 goals and 60 points in 82 games. He ranked second on the Wild in points and third in goals. However, his role diminished during the playoffs, reducing his ice time from 18:15 during the regular season to 11:08 in the postseason.
Connor McDavid Extension Talks
As Connor McDavid approaches the final year of his current contract, discussions about a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers are intensifying. TSN's Jason Strudwick anticipates a swift resolution, suggesting the deal will be finalized before training camp.
There is speculation that McDavid may take a "team-friendly" deal, potentially worth around $16-17 million per season for approximately four years. This figure is lower than the $19 million he could command, which is 20% of the NHL's salary cap. Some analysts believe McDavid is willing to accept less to allow the Oilers to acquire free agents and other players, enhancing their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
When McDavid signed his eight-year extension in July 2017, he reportedly reduced his deal by $500,000, settling at $12.5 million. Despite this, it made him the highest-paid player in the NHL by $1.5 million.
Leafs Aftermath on Marner Trade
Mitch Marner's departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights continues to be a talking point. The trade, an eight-year, $96 million deal, sent Nicolas Roy to Toronto. Auston Matthews has publicly addressed the trade, acknowledging that Marner will be missed. Matthews described Marner as "a great friend and teammate".
William Nylander dismissed rumors that Marner considered leaving the Maple Leafs midseason. Nylander stated that he didn't believe Marner was ever thinking of leaving before the trade.
The Maple Leafs have made several changes following the trade. They acquired Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli for draft picks and Henry Thrun for Ryan Reaves. Additionally, they signed Travis Boyd, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Vinni Lettieri, Michael Pezzetta, and Dakota Mermis. Matthew Knies also signed a six-year, $46.5 million extension.
