Since the absence of Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen a couple years ago, the Nashville Predators center depth has never recovered.
Despite reeling in centers Ryan O'Reilly and Steven Stamkos in the following years, the Preds squad still can't get it done. It has become quite apparent that the real thing the Preds are lacking at center is speed and skill. We have the skill, but we lack the speed to keep up with our opponents.
In the past couple weeks, it has been reported by multiple sources that Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild rejected a five-year contract extension with the team earlier this season. The young and promising center recorded 60 points—24 goals and 36 assists—82 games this year, along with 3 points—2 goals and 1 assist—in six playoff games. With limited ice time in Minnesota's round one elimination against the Vegas Golden Knights, Rossi could have very well played his last game in a Wild jersey.
Going into this offseason, the Predators must focus on fulfilling the need for speed, Rossi fits the bill. Sure, we have the potential to draft star centers in June. However, you must remember that we're stuck with Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault for a while and might as well use them while we can.
Analysts are speculating teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins are in pursuit for a Rossi offer sheet. If General Manager Barry Trotz wants to find some NHL-ready talent, taking a look at Rossi could benefit big time.
Rossi Is Capable of Big Things, Bring Him to Nashville
It's quite rare that an opportunity like this comes around. A player like Marco Rossi would have likely been re-signed right now by any other team. His skill is something that any squad would benefit from. However, due to a forward-heavy roster, Rossi is getting pushed down further and further down the lineup. Combining this with the development of Minnesota prospects Charlie Stramel and Riley Heidt, Rossi could struggle to see the ice.
Rossi's limited ice time despite his proven skill is limiting his growth and on-ice capabilities. He is in the 75th percentile for top skating speed and the 89th percentile for skating distance. The Austrian native is only 23 and is already faster than 80% of the league. Along with his skating, he excels in taking accurate shots. He's in the 86th percentile for shooting % and is in the 85th percentile for goals scored.
As mentioned previously, the Predators need speed and skill at center. Enter Marco Rossi and we fill both. Replacing either Factor or Stammer with Rossi would increase the speed of their respective line. Pairing him with Forsberg on left and either Marchy or Luke Evangelista on right would bring speed-matching playmaking for both sides of the ice.
With the draft coming up, it'll be wise to assume that we'd draft that star center with one of our three first round picks. However, I never specifically stated that we wouldn't draft one. This brings me to my next point on why we should consider entering the Rossi sweepstakes.