In the wake of Trevor Zegras’s blockbuster trade to the Philadelphia Flyers, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a critical crossroads. With another top forward target off the board, all eyes are now on general manager Kent Hughes and the team’s next move as the NHL Draft approaches. The pressure is mounting for the Canadiens to make a bold acquisition that can reshape their offense and set the stage for long-term success.

Amid swirling rumors and growing anticipation, Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild has suddenly emerged as a prime candidate for Montreal’s attention. The talented young center, fresh off an impressive 60-point season, has reportedly rejected a new contract offer from the Wild and is seeking a fresh start—ideally as a top-line player. With the Canadiens holding valuable draft picks and promising prospects, the stage is set for a potential blockbuster move.

As speculation intensifies, fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether Kent Hughes should pull the trigger and go all-in for Rossi, especially after missing out on Zegras. The coming days could prove decisive in shaping the future of the franchise.

Apr 24, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (23) leads the team to the bench after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Forward Trevor Zegras has been traded from the Anaheim Ducks to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The announcement came down officially in the last few hours, confirming that the Canadiens must now look elsewhere.

So after the likes of Matt Duchene, Mavrik Bourque, Jonathan Toews, Brock Nelson, and company.. another acquisition option has indeed disappeared for Kent Hughes on offense ahead of the draft.

However, the Montreal Canadiens must pivot quickly and turn their attention to Marco Rossi in Minnesota.

In my humble opinion, he’s a better forward than Trevor Zegras-and especially a better centerman.

Marco Rossi rejects the Minnesota Wild’s offer and is very likely the next to be traded

Now that’s intriguing.

“The Wild offered Marco Rossi a bridge deal which was rejected; Rossi was upset by being put on 4th line in playoffs; he wants to make sure he’s in a place where he can play top line center”

Elliotte Friedman

Montreal could be that place.

Knowing that Rossi appears unwilling to return to Minnesota, do you think Kent Hughes should now shift his focus more seriously to him, considering his previous interest in Trevor Zegras, who is now headed to Pennsylvania?

Marco Rossi, 23 years old, recorded 60 points in 82 games this season, including 24 goals, while maintaining a positive plus-minus of +3.

As trade assets, Hughes still holds the 16th and 17th overall picks heading into Friday’s draft, along with young players like Joshua Roy and Filip Mesar-both of whom appear to be available for a potential deal.