With the NHL offseason fast approaching, the rumor mill is heating up around two intriguing young centers: Minnesota’s Marco Rossi and Philadelphia’s Noah Cates. Both restricted free agents (RFAs) could find themselves on the move as their respective clubs face critical roster decisions. Rossi’s fit in Minnesota is raising eyebrows after a late-season demotion, while Cates’ contract negotiations in Philadelphia appear headed for a standoff. Multiple teams are already circling, and speculation is growing louder around their futures.
Pittsburgh Penguins' trade strategy: Why Marco Rossi fits into their rebuilding plans
Marco Rossi’s name is once again surfacing in trade speculation following the Minnesota Wild’s early playoff exit. The 23-year-old center finished the season in a fourth-line role, sparking renewed questions about his long-term place in Minnesota’s plans. Although general manager Bill Guerin dismissed trade rumors earlier in the year, Rossi’s RFA status this summer opens the door to offer-sheet threats or potential trade talks if extension negotiations stall.
Among the interested parties? The Pittsburgh Penguins. With Evgeni Malkin expected to retire at the end of next season, Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski suggested Rossi could be an ideal addition as a long-term solution at second-line center. “The young Wild center would fit in well with the retooling Penguins,” Kingerski noted, adding that GM Kyle Dubas is unlikely to chase big-name unrestricted free agents and prefers trading for RFAs.
Kingerski floated possible trade pieces the Penguins could offer, including the lottery-protected 2026 first-round pick acquired from the Rangers or a veteran top-six winger like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell.
If the Wild shop Rossi, they won’t lack suitors. The Bruins, Sabres, Canadiens, Islanders, Flyers, and Canucks are all believed to be in the market for a second-line pivot.
Noah Cates' future with the Philadelphia Flyers in limbo as contract negotiations heat up
Meanwhile, Noah Cates’ future in the Philadelphia Flyers remains cloudy. The 26-year-old is an RFA just one year away from unrestricted free agency, and contract discussions appear tense. According to Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco, arbitration is likely this summer. “Cates could bet on himself on a one-year deal,” Di Marco reported, “taking him up to UFA eligibility.”
While Cates is open to a long-term deal, the Flyers reportedly value him around $3.5 million annually over a four-to-six-year span — a figure that may not match the player’s expectations.
As the offseason nears, both Rossi and Cates find themselves at pivotal crossroads. Whether through trade or contract disputes, their names will be worth watching in what could become an eventful summer shake-up across the NHL.
Also Read: Toronto Maple Leafs take game 1 as William Nylander dominates against Florida Panthers
Pittsburgh Penguins' trade strategy: Why Marco Rossi fits into their rebuilding plans
Marco Rossi’s name is once again surfacing in trade speculation following the Minnesota Wild’s early playoff exit. The 23-year-old center finished the season in a fourth-line role, sparking renewed questions about his long-term place in Minnesota’s plans. Although general manager Bill Guerin dismissed trade rumors earlier in the year, Rossi’s RFA status this summer opens the door to offer-sheet threats or potential trade talks if extension negotiations stall.
The Pittsburgh Penguins should absolutely target Marco Rossi this Offseason. Whether that’s a Trade or An Offer Sheet with him being an RFA. I would absolutely trade a First round pick for him. He’s my number one target.
— Quinn Vogt (@QuinnVogt49Gold) May 7, 2025
Among the interested parties? The Pittsburgh Penguins. With Evgeni Malkin expected to retire at the end of next season, Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski suggested Rossi could be an ideal addition as a long-term solution at second-line center. “The young Wild center would fit in well with the retooling Penguins,” Kingerski noted, adding that GM Kyle Dubas is unlikely to chase big-name unrestricted free agents and prefers trading for RFAs.
Kingerski floated possible trade pieces the Penguins could offer, including the lottery-protected 2026 first-round pick acquired from the Rangers or a veteran top-six winger like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell.
If the Wild shop Rossi, they won’t lack suitors. The Bruins, Sabres, Canadiens, Islanders, Flyers, and Canucks are all believed to be in the market for a second-line pivot.
Noah Cates' future with the Philadelphia Flyers in limbo as contract negotiations heat up
Meanwhile, Noah Cates’ future in the Philadelphia Flyers remains cloudy. The 26-year-old is an RFA just one year away from unrestricted free agency, and contract discussions appear tense. According to Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco, arbitration is likely this summer. “Cates could bet on himself on a one-year deal,” Di Marco reported, “taking him up to UFA eligibility.”
Noah Cates updates us on a potential contract extension with the #Flyers pic.twitter.com/hGvaerXZrq
— Nasty Knuckles (@NastyKnuckles) May 1, 2025
While Cates is open to a long-term deal, the Flyers reportedly value him around $3.5 million annually over a four-to-six-year span — a figure that may not match the player’s expectations.
As the offseason nears, both Rossi and Cates find themselves at pivotal crossroads. Whether through trade or contract disputes, their names will be worth watching in what could become an eventful summer shake-up across the NHL.
Also Read: Toronto Maple Leafs take game 1 as William Nylander dominates against Florida Panthers
You may also like
"Great inspiration for all": Rajasthan CM pays tribute to former VP Bhairon Singh Shekhawat on his death anniversary
Cruise guests make 'key etiquette mistake' and it annoys other passengers
Bridgerton to be renewed for two more seasons. Makers share season 4 update. When and where to watch the American drama?
The incredible £3.9m tower made of tiny apartments that fell into disrepair
Gardeners urged to plant 5 vegetables for best chances of thriving
