Marco Rossi (ice hockey)

Lore & Background

Rossi began playing ice hockey in Austria at age three. At ten, he moved to Switzerland to advance his career, later commuting two hours each way with his father to continue his education while playing in the ZSC Lions junior system. He made his professional debut in 2017–18 with the GCK Lions of the Swiss League. In 2018, he moved to North America to play for the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). After a strong rookie season, he led the OHL and the entire Canadian Hockey League (CHL) in scoring in 2019–20 with 120 points in 56 games, winning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy, CHL Top Scorer Award, and the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL most valuable player. He was the first European player to lead the OHL in scoring. Rossi was selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2020 NHL entry draft. On 23 October 2020, Rossi was signed by the Wild to a three-year, entry-level contract. Five days later, he was loaned to the ZSC Lions until the start of NHL training camp.

Reader's Guide

Marco Rossi's career trajectory reflects a path from Austrian youth hockey through Swiss junior systems to North American prominence. His 2019–20 OHL season, in which he led the league in scoring as the first European-born player to do so, established him as a top prospect. The COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering effects delayed his NHL debut until 2022, but he eventually broke into the league with the Minnesota Wild. His trade to the Vancouver Canucks in December 2025, as part of a package for star defenceman Quinn Hughes, marked a significant shift in his career. Internationally, Rossi has represented Austria at multiple IIHF tournaments, captaining the under-20 team at the 2021 World Junior Championships. Off the ice, Rossi is known for his Christian faith, praying before games with his girlfriend, and abstaining from alcohol. His father, Michael, played professional hockey for 20 years, primarily with VEU Feldkirch. Rossi is also a fan of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team.

Did You Know?

• He tested positive for COVID-19 in late 2020 and later said he was 'thankful to God' for surviving.
• Rossi was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on 12 December 2025 in a deal that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota.
• He served as captain of Austria's junior team at the 2021 World Junior Championships.