The Seattle Kraken could be on the verge of pulling off a late-summer blockbuster trade. According to an August 21 report by James Murphy of RG Media, the Kraken are heavily interested in unsigned RFA Marco Rossi.
Rossi and the Minnesota Wild have apparently hit a lull in their contract extension negotiations this summer. While Wild GM Bill Guerin told RG Media on August 13 that negotiations were going well with Rossi, the prevailing rumor around the league is that the Wild haven’t made much progress with Rossi.
So, that situation could force the Wild’s hand. As Murphy quoted an anonymous NHL executive:
“Both were in on Rossi leading into and at the NHL Entry Draft, and until probably mid-July, and I’m hearing that they’ve made it clear that if it gets to the point in the next month, where contract talks between Rossi and the Wild reach a point of no return, they want to see what it would take to acquire Rossi.”
By “both,” the source referred to the Kraken and the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks could be a major player, particularly after reportedly passing on Jack Roslovic. However, the Canucks don’t seem quite as invested in landing Rossi as the Kraken.
The reason for that is the connection between Guerin and Kraken GM Jason Botterill. Both go back to their days with the Pittsburgh Penguins, specifically during the 2008-09 Stanley Cup run in the Steel City.
That connection could give Seattle the inside track on finalizing the deal for Rossi. Here’s Murphy quoting the anonymous source once again:
“You think about the connection there with [Bill] Guerin and Jason Botterill, and it makes sense that they’re talking.”
Since there’s a type of friendship there, the Kraken wouldn’t be looking to fleece the Wild. Instead, the two executives could be working on a hockey trade that would make sense for everyone involved.
Looking at Kraken’s reported package for Rossi
The precise details for the Kraken’s package in exchange for Marco Rossi are somewhat unclear. In all likelihood, it would include a combination of picks and roster players. But there’s one player in particular that would likely head to Minnesota: Jared McCann.
Murphy quoted the source:
“I think you make McCann the centerpiece of a package going back to Minnesota. He definitely fits what Guerin wants, and he can play center, too, if they need.”
The issue with swapping Rossi for McCann is the age difference. Rossi is 23, while McCann is 29. That may not be a significant difference in human years. But in NHL years, that’s like comparing the Jurassic with the Holocene.
Nevertheless, McCann offers the Wild the sort of flexibility the team needs. The Wild clearly lacks a second-line center without Rossi. So, McCann fits the bill. Moreover, the Wild believe they are a playoff team again this season. That’s why accepting futures in a trade for Rossi wouldn’t make a ton of sense.
As for Rossi in Seattle, he fits the bill perfectly. Murphy’s source summed it up:
“The Kraken have a ton of middle-six guys, but how about a 1-2 punch of Beniers and Rossi? So maybe they can find a match.”
Indeed, Matty Beniers and Marco Rossi could have the makings of one of the most talented young 1-2 punches in league history. They could become the cornerstones of something akin to Crosby and Malkin in Pittsburgh.
As for the timeline, this deal could come to fruition as training camps roll around. Rossi is believed to intend to hold out much like Jeremy Swayman did in Boston last season. So, it seems the Wild are willing to nip that in the bud before it becomes an issue.