Overview

• The contract ends a months-long stalemate that featured stalled talks and outside interest, including a reported Vancouver offer of the No. 15 pick.
• Terms are $5 million AAV with a backloaded structure of $4M, $5M, and $6M, setting a $6 million qualifying offer ahead of his next RFA summer in 2028.
• Rossi, 23, is coming off a career year with 24 goals and 36 assists in 82 games after spending stretches in a top-line role.
• His playoff usage dropped to roughly 11 minutes per game after an 18:15 regular-season average, a friction point noted in reporting.
• Minnesota had been reluctant to commit long term after earlier proposals were rejected, and the bridge deal reflects a compromise that lets the team address broader roster planning.