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Wild prospect Marco Rossi has made the team. ‘Now it’s back to business’

dane mizutani, pioneer press
·3 min read

Technically, Wild prospect Marco Rossi made his NHL debut last season. So, why did Thursday’s season opener against the New York Rangers feel like to start of his NHL career?

Because even though he skated in his first game on Jan. 6, 2021 — actually, same day winger Matt Boldy made his NHL debut — Rossi was never expected to stick. The organization had a plan for him and it required more seasoning with the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League.

Ultimately, Rossi played against the Boston Bruins, then a couple of nights later against the Washington Capitals before being sent down to the minors for good.

There were some moments of frustration for Rossi along the way, especially considering he found immediate success in the minors with 18 goals and 35 assists in 63 games. All the while he always trusted the process put in place by general manager Bill Guerin.

“I knew my time was going to come,” Rossi said. “The most important thing for me was to stay patient.”

Everything paid off over the weekend as Guerin told Rossi he’d officially made the opening night roster. The team captured the moment and posted it on social media.

“You know what, Marco?,” Guerin said. “You’ve done everything we’ve asked.” He added a few more superlatives, then paused for dramatic effect before saying, “You’ve made the team. Congratulations.”

Those are the words Rossi has longed to hear and he couldn’t contain himself in the immediate aftermath. He smiled big and shook hands with Guerin and coach Dean Evason before leaving the room. Admittedly, it took Rossi a couple of days for everything to sink in.

“Now it’s back to business,” Rossi said after Thursday’s morning skate at Xcel Energy Center. “I’m really excited for tonight.”

It seems like only a matter of time before Rossi gets elevated in the Wild lineup. In the meantime, though, he will center Connor Dewar and Brandon Duhaime, forming a trio that has been drafted and developed by the organization.

Asked about about his time in the minors, Rossi said the biggest the he learned was what it takes to succeed at the professional level. Not only did he improve different areas of his game, Rossi played against grown men on a nightly basis, which gave him a different perspective heading into this season.

“”It feels completely different,” Rossi said. “I have more confidence than last season.”

That was clear to anyone that watched Rossi throughout Wild training camp.

“He’s taken a step forward,” Evason “That’s what the minor leagues are all about. To prepare guys to be put in this spot. He’s earned the opportunity to play here and now he’s just got to continue to do that.”

As for the nervousness that comes with playing at the highest level, Rossi expected that to go away as the game itself progressed.

“I just want to have my first shift,” Rossi said. “Then continue with my confidence from there and try to play my game.”

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