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Should the Sabres target this former first-round pick this offseason?

With the Sabres in the unknown about certain free agents wanting to stay in Buffalo, should they look to find replacements, such as Marco Rossi, this offseason?
ByZackary Laware|
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
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 | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Sabres had gotten more bad news over the last couple of days, as it has been announced that JJ Peterka also wants out of Buffalo and is considering his options on the free agent market. With that being said, it leaves the Sabres and their fans wondering how they are going to be able to keep or replace their young players.

The first option would be to find replacements, and the Sabres are doing just that, as it was reported they were interested in Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi. Rossi was almost a Sabre back in the 2020 draft, as the Sabres took Jack Quinn 8th overall, and Rossi followed right after going 9th.

Rossi has been solid for the Minnesota Wild over the first two full seasons of his career with the team. Rossi had 40 points in 82 games last season, and broke out this season with 60 points in 82 games again for the Wild. Rossi also notched two playoff goals for the Wild in their first-round matchup against the Golden Knights.

How would Rossi fit the Sabres Roster?

I think Rossi could be an ideal replacement for JJ Peterka if he were to leave this offseason. They both have similar, scrappy tendencies that would allow Rossi to fill right in and make an impact. Although Rossi is a center, he could easily make the switch to either right or left wing like some of the other players on the Sabres.

Josh Norris was making his switch to winger before his injury shut him down for the rest of the year. Even if Rossi doesn’t play on the first line, he could help shape an extremely talented second line and give the Sabres two of the best lines in hockey. Here is my hypothetical top-six for the Sabres if they were to sign Rossi.

Norris-Thompson-Tuch
Zucker-McLeod-Rossi

If the Sabres want to keep the same chemistry from last year with their second line, they can just flip Rossi and Tuch. But, ideally, I think this would be a great signing for the Sabres. I think Rossi would get a contract around 5.5 to 6 million per year, so it would be slightly cheaper for the Sabres.

They would get a player who is the same caliber as Peterka for a cheaper price. If Peterka is to leave, they need to consider other options, and Rossi would be a great starting point.