Often in sports, when a talented player becomes available, fans start to speculate about the possibility of him joining their favorite team. Recently, there has been considerable buzz connecting the Philadelphia Flyers and the Minnesota Wild regarding their young star center.
Yes, Rossi is a center, a position the Flyers really could use a solid player. Yes, he is 23 and can score. A young player who can score is something that the Flyers could use. Imagining a fast guy like Rossi lining up with Matvei Michkov and Tyson Foerster would be a lot of fun.
And yes, there are some concerns about his size. He is just 5'9" and only 192 lbs. That is a bit on the small side for an NHL center, perhaps better for a winger. However, the NHL is a faster league now, rather than the smash 'em up style of play we are accustomed to here in Philadelphia. His size does affect him in the faceoff circle, as he has won just 45.6 percent of his faceoffs. Of course, that could be because he is young and is still learning the tricks of the trade.
What's the deal with Rossi?
Rossi reportedly wants a long-term deal. His teammate, Matt Boldy, signed a seven-year deal worth $49 million, roughly $7 million a year. Boldy is the same age, but has been more consistent when it comes to scoring. He has 102 goals in 285 games, versus Rossi's 45 goals in 185 games. Rossi feels that he should be paid something similar. Combined, they form one of the most formidable young one-two punches in the NHL.
Rossi wants a new contract. The Wild should have almost $18.5 million to spend this offseason. He was making $863,000 this past season. So, that's a significant increase. Still, the Wild have enough to spend on him and, perhaps, sign another solid piece to add to their young corps. The Wild, however, do need to consider the looming contract demands of star players Kirill Kaprizov and Filip Gustavsson
So what's the issue then? Why are the Wild hesitant to give him that kind of money? Why was Rossi banished to the third and fourth lines during the playoffs and limited to just 11 minutes of ice time per game (as compared to 18 minutes during the season)? What are we missing here?
Tread carefully here Danny
By all indications, there have been no reports of him being a clubhouse cancer or someone with a poor work ethic. He does seem to be unhappy with the reduced role on the team. But again, why is this here?
This brings me to a point here, a point that could make me unpopular. The last time the Flyers traded for a disgruntled player on a team, it didn't turn out too well. That was the Keith Primeau-Rod Brind'amour trade.
Now, before you get your pitchforks and torches here, let me explain. The situations are similar, but not as strong. Primeau was holding out and refusing to play, something he also did in Detroit. Rossi hasn't done that yet. Brind'Amour also had an "incident" (if the rumors are true) with star player Eric Lindros.
Brind'Amour went to Carolina and thrived. He took the team to two Stanley Cups, bringing home a championship in 2006. He is a hero in Raleigh and the head coach of the team. Primeau had a great playoff moment, but he would be hampered by injuries for much of his time in Philly. He never became the scoring monster we hoped he'd be. We never made it to the Stanley Cup Finals with him. Was he a good player? Yes. Will he forever be a Flyer hero? Absolutely. Was he a dependable captain for the Flyers? Yes. Was he worth the price? Probably not.
Likewise, Rossi, a good player, may not be worth the high price it may cost to acquire him. If Primeau got beat up in the corners, taking big hits, and battling in the faceoff circle, and at the time, he was one of the biggest, toughest guys in the league, what would happen to Rossi?
Is Rossi worth it?
I wouldn't mind taking him on, but what price? As an RFA, the Flyers could offer him $5 million. That would cost the team a first round and a third pick, provided that the Wild didn't match it. Going higher would cost the team more in terms of draft picks. A first and third-round pick is not bad for a young gun who has NHL experience. If he'd be willing to play left wing, even better. I would be hesitant to offer him anything more than a three of or four-year deal until he has shown he has earned it.
In terms of trading away other assets and players, it's hard to see what would be worth it. Would it cost a veteran like Owen Tippett or a young guy like Tyson Foerster? Would that be worth it? Hard to say. It might be better to keep the players you know than bring in an unknown player that the Wild are starting to sour on. If it were something like a straight-up deal like Tippett or Cam York for Rossi, I might be warm to that idea. Anything more, most likely not.
First, it might be interesting to see what the Wild are asking for. Secondly, how many other teams are looking to acquire him? How much would that drive up the price to acquire him? Would it be worth it? Would it be worth inquiring just to drive up the price and screw another team over?
The biggest issue here is why the Wild are not interested in him long-term. Why did he lose playing time in the playoffs, a time when the Wild really could have used his skill set? Once you find the answers to those questions, you will be in a better spot to figure out if he is a good fit on this team. The last thing the Flyers need is to bring in another moody diva onto this team. We've had enough of them over the last few years.