Bill Guerin says Marco Rossi could 'move up' the Wild lineup
Marco Rossi centered the Minnesota Wild's top line with Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello in Thursday's preseason game against the Chicago Blackhawks. At first glance, it was a night off for Ryan Hartman that opened the door in an exhibition game. But upon further review, maybe there was more to it.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin joined Anthony Lapanta and Ryan Carter on the Bally Sports North broadcast during the second period and suggested that Rossi could move up in the lineup from his current spot as the projected fourth line center.
"He's done well. He's making the most of his opportunity," said Guerin.
"I already think he has potential to move up. The biggest thing is consistency. It's probably the hardest thing for a young player to establish, but that's what we need. We need him to be, not just good, but consistently good."
Rossi scored the first goal of the game after a Chicago turnover.
Rossi sneaks one in and the #MNwild take the lead!!! pic.twitter.com/4n4lWYOfC9
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) October 7, 2022
Guerin's glowing review of Rossi on a night that he centered the top line doesn't mean Hartman's job is in danger. But if the top line isn't getting broken up and there's very little chance the GREEF line of Jordan Greenway, Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Foligno isn't going to change, then Guerin's words most likely put Freddy Gaudreau on notice.
Gaurdreau is projected to center the third line with Brandon Duhaime and Matt Boldy on his wings.
Speaking of Boldy, Guerin was asked if he thinks he'll become a star.
"I think he's a heck of a player. His skill level is incredible but his hockey sense is even better. He's got a gift. We really hope to see him shine this year," Guerin answered.
"I know that he's stronger. He looks bigger. I know he had a great summer and put a lot of effort into the gym, and he really needed that," Guerin continued. "He needs the extra armor to help him. He looks great."
Boldy and Rossi, both just 21 years old, were Minnesota's first-round draft picks in back-to-back years (2019 and 2020) and both appear destined for huge roles with the Wild this season and beyond – and maybe on the same line.
Related: Wild line combinations, power play units taking shape
Title: Bring Me The Sports co-owner, editor Email: joe@bringmethenews.com Twitter: @JoeBMTN Education: Southwest Minnesota State University Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Expertise: All things Minnesota sports Nelson has covered Minnesota sports for two decades, starting his media career in sports radio. He worked at small market Minnesota stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before joining one of the nation's highest-rated sports stations, KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. There, he was the producer of the top-rated mid-morning sports show with Minnesota Vikings announcer Paul Allen. His radio experience helped blossom a career as a sports writer, joining Minneapolis-based Bring Me The News in 2011. Nelson and Adam Uren became co-owners of Bring Me The News in 2018 and have since more than tripled the site's traffic and launched Bring Me The Sports in cooperation with the Sports Illustrated/FanNation umbrella. Nelson has covered the Super Bowl and numerous training camps, NFL combines, the MLB All-Star Game and Minnesota playoff games, in addition to the day-to-day happenings on and off the field of play. Nelson also has extensive knowledge of non-sports subjects, including news and weather. He works closely with Bring Me The News meteorologist Sven Sundgaard to produce a bevy of weather and climate information for Minnesota readers. Nelson helped launch and manage the Bring Me The News Radio Network, which provided more than 50 radio stations around Minnesota with daily news, sports and weather reports from 2011-17.