The New York Rangers came into the 2024–25 NHL season with high hopes and an early 12-4-0 record that suggested a potential Stanley Cup run. However, their season quickly unraveled, and they ultimately missed the playoffs — a major letdown for both the team and fans.
One player who has frequently faced criticism is Alexis Lafrenière, the former No. 1 overall pick. After a breakout 2023–24 season with 28 goals and 57 points, Lafrenière earned a seven-year contract extension. But he failed to replicate that production this season, finishing with a modest 17 goals and 45 points over a full 82-game slate — respectable but underwhelming given his contract and previous performance.
With his name regularly surfacing in trade speculation, Bleacher Report’s Adam Getz floated an intriguing proposal: sending Lafrenière to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for young center Marco Rossi.
“It could be a starting point,” Getz wrote. “Minnesota gets a young, long-term winger with scoring potential. The Rangers add a young center whose prime is still ahead.”
Would Rossi Fit in New York?
The Rangers’ aging core down the middle — with Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller both 32 — highlights their need for youth at center. At just 23, Marco Rossi offers long-term upside and already has NHL experience, making him a potentially perfect fit.
However, he’s also a restricted free agent this summer, meaning the Rangers would need to clear cap space to sign him. One option would be to move on from Zibanejad to both free up money and open a roster spot, though moving a high-priced veteran coming off a down year wouldn’t be easy.
How Lafrenière Could Help the Wild
Minnesota has its own problems — especially when Kirill Kaprizov is injured, which has happened in each of the past three seasons. This year, Kaprizov was limited to 41 games, though he still led the team in scoring when healthy.
The Wild lack consistent top-six forward depth, particularly on the wings. Lafrenière could help alleviate that issue, forming a dynamic combination with Matt Boldy or Mats Zuccarello, and providing much-needed scoring if Kaprizov is sidelined again.
Taking on Lafrenière’s long-term contract may not be a major obstacle, as Minnesota is clearing $15 million in dead cap this offseason. The bigger question is whether they’d be willing to part with Rossi — especially if they can’t agree on a new deal with the promising young center.
