After a disappointing 2024-25 NHL season, the Boston Bruins are determined to return to playoff form next year. Despite a roster with proven talent, the Bruins ended the season with the fifth-worst record in the league, leaving fans and analysts alike looking ahead to a crucial offseason.
One potential solution being floated by NHL analyst Michael DeRosa (The Hockey News) is for Boston to target Minnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi in a trade. “Rossi remains a frequent name in trade rumors, and if the Wild make him available this summer, the Bruins should seriously consider going after him,” DeRosa explained.
Rossi, 23, would likely slot into a top-six forward role with Boston and add value to their power play unit. DeRosa notes Rossi’s age and upside make him a prime candidate for a team like the Bruins that needs an injection of youth and high-end potential.
Landing Rossi wouldn’t come cheap. As a restricted free agent who just wrapped up a 60-point season (24 goals, 36 assists in 82 games), the Austrian center is due for a significant new contract. But with Boston needing help at center and Rossi proving he can produce at a high level, DeRosa believes the Bruins should make a strong offer for the 2020 ninth-overall pick.
Marco Rossi May Be Following In One Prominent Wild Star’s Footsteps – Minnesota Wild – Hockey Wilderness
Marco Rossi
There’s also reason to believe Rossi might be open to a change of scenery. According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Joe Smith, Rossi has grown frustrated with his role in Minnesota after being relegated to fourth-line duties and excluded from the top power-play unit. The writers questioned whether Rossi even wants to re-sign, suggesting the young forward might be ready for a fresh start elsewhere.
If that’s the case, Boston could be the ideal landing spot — with the playing time and offensive role Rossi has been seeking.
Looking ahead, the Bruins plan to be aggressive this offseason, and they have the resources to back it up. With close to $29 million in cap space, general manager Don Sweeney has made it clear that the team is ready to upgrade the roster and bounce back quickly.
“We’re in a position to add to our core group, including some of the younger players,” Sweeney said. “As Cam [Neely] mentioned, we plan to be aggressive and find the right pieces to complement what we have.”
If they can secure the right reinforcements — possibly starting with Marco Rossi — the Bruins could be right back in the playoff mix for 2025-26.
