The New York Rangers entered the 2024-25 season with lofty expectations and a legitimate shot at competing for the Stanley Cup. Early on, they looked like contenders, starting the season strong with a 12-4-0 record through their first 16 games. But as the year went on, the team’s momentum collapsed, and they ultimately missed out on the playoffs entirely—a stunning fall from grace that left fans frustrated.
One player who faced particular scrutiny was former first-overall pick Alexis Lafrenière. After a promising 2023-24 campaign in which he notched 28 goals and 57 points, expectations were high. The Rangers showed their confidence in Lafrenière by signing him to a seven-year contract extension during the season.
Unfortunately, the young winger didn’t deliver at the level many anticipated. While he played all 82 games and posted a decent 17 goals and 45 points, his production failed to match the breakout potential he showed the previous year—especially in light of his new deal.
Lafrenière’s name has consistently surfaced in trade speculation, and his underwhelming season only fueled that chatter. In a recent piece for Bleacher Report, writer Adam Getz proposed a fresh scenario: a potential trade with the Minnesota Wild involving Lafrenière and young center Marco Rossi.
Getz suggested that a player-for-player deal could make sense for both sides. “Could that sort of swap be a potential starting point?” he wrote. “The Wild would get a young, potential top-six scorer who is already signed long-term. The Rangers would get a potential impact scorer at center whose best days are still ahead of him.”
It’s the type of bold move that could give both teams a fresh start while addressing key needs—something both New York and Minnesota may be considering as they look to reset for the future.
Does Marco Rossi Fit With Rangers?
Every NHL team is constantly searching for young, high-impact centers—players who can anchor a top line and drive consistent success. Elite centers are rare and highly valued, making it crucial for teams aiming for long-term contention to secure them whenever possible.
Few teams need youthful talent at center more than the New York Rangers. All four of their primary centers are in their 30s, with key contributors J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad both now 32. That aging core down the middle presents a looming challenge for the team’s future.
Marco Rossi would be an ideal addition in this context. At just 23, he has plenty of years ahead of him and has already shown he can contribute at the NHL level. He could step into the Rangers’ lineup and make an immediate difference.
However, fitting Rossi into New York’s salary cap situation is another matter. He’s a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Rangers would control his rights in the event of a trade—but signing him would still require shedding a notable contract.
One potential solution would be to trade Zibanejad, which would not only create cap space but also open a spot for Rossi in the lineup. Yet, moving Zibanejad is easier said than done, especially considering his recent performance. That’s where the Rangers may face a serious roadblock in trying to bring a young center like Rossi into the fold.
How Does Alexis Lafreniere Help Wild?
Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov is unquestionably one of the NHL’s elite talents. However, one significant issue continues to loom over his status: injuries. Kaprizov has missed time due to injury in each of the last three seasons, and 2024-25 was his most difficult yet, as he appeared in only 41 games.
Despite the limited action, Kaprizov was productive—scoring 25 goals and tallying 56 points in those outings. He also led the Wild with nine points in six postseason games. But the core concern isn’t necessarily his durability—it’s what his absence reveals about the rest of Minnesota’s lineup.
When Kaprizov isn’t available, the Wild’s lack of reliable top-six talent becomes glaringly obvious. The team doesn’t have a center who can consistently fill in higher in the lineup, and even with Kaprizov healthy, their wing depth leaves much to be desired.
That’s where Alexis Lafrenière could come into play. While not a center, Lafrenière would immediately strengthen Minnesota’s top-six, potentially sliding in alongside Matt Boldy and Mats Zuccarello. His presence would give the Wild more offensive stability—especially if Kaprizov were to miss time again in 2025-26.
Financially, absorbing Lafrenière’s contract shouldn’t be a significant hurdle. The Wild are set to clear $15 million in dead cap space this offseason. The real question is whether Minnesota would be willing to part with Marco Rossi in a deal. If contract talks with Rossi stall, a swap for Lafrenière might become a very real possibility.
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