Minnesota wild Center Marco Rossi Has Done it Again, making major Announcements, Head coach John Hynes React shock…see more
Minnesota Wild Center Marco Rossi Has Done It Again, Making Major Announcement — Head Coach John Hynes Reacts in Shock
Saint Paul, MN – May 9, 2025 — In a development that has left the Minnesota Wild organization and NHL fans around the league stunned, center Marco Rossi made a major announcement Friday morning that has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 offseason. The 23-year-old Austrian phenom, who recently completed a breakout season, revealed plans that not only caught fans off guard — but also left head coach John Hynes visibly speechless.
Speaking at a press conference held at the TRIA Rink in downtown Saint Paul, Rossi, joined by team executives and family members, addressed swirling speculation that had emerged after he missed several team functions earlier in the week.
With confidence and poise, Rossi took the microphone and dropped a bombshell.
“After a lot of thought and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to step away from professional hockey for the upcoming season to fulfill a lifelong dream — to serve in the Austrian military as part of my country’s national service,” Rossi announced. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I believe now is the right time.”
The room fell silent.
The decision, while technically optional for Austrian citizens living abroad, reflects a deep commitment to Rossi’s heritage and sense of national pride. It’s a rare move for a professional athlete at the height of his career, especially one who had just completed a career-best NHL season.
Rossi finished the 2024–25 regular season with 62 points (27 goals, 35 assists) in 81 games — a remarkable jump from the previous year and a clear sign that the young center had arrived as a core piece of Minnesota’s future.
“He’s earned the respect of the league this year, and just when we think he’s hit his stride, he throws us a curveball like this,” said General Manager Bill Guerin. “But knowing Marco, this fits exactly who he is — selfless, disciplined, and driven.”
Head coach John Hynes, who played a pivotal role in helping Rossi blossom this past season, admitted he was stunned when the player informed him earlier in the week.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to say when he told me,” Hynes said. “You coach players your whole career, and then someone like Marco comes along — all heart, all character — and makes a decision like this. You just respect it. It’s shocking, yes, but also admirable.”
Rossi’s announcement immediately lit up social media, with reactions pouring in from players, fans, and hockey commentators around the globe. Many praised the young star’s bravery and integrity for prioritizing national service over his NHL career — even if only temporarily.
Former Wild captain Mikko Koivu tweeted, “Proud of Marco. Leadership isn’t just on the ice. It’s in your choices.”
Teammate Kirill Kaprizov added on Instagram: “Brother first, player second. We’ll miss you but support you.”
The Wild now face the challenge of adjusting their plans for the 2025–26 season. Rossi was projected to center Minnesota’s top line and serve as a foundational piece in the club’s rebuild toward Stanley Cup contention. Without him, the team will need to either elevate a younger player like Marat Khusnutdinov or consider free agency or trade options to fill the void.
But despite the competitive setback, Wild leadership made it clear that Rossi’s decision was met with nothing but support.
“It’s a blow to our lineup, no doubt,” said Guerin. “But this team has always valued character and heart, and Marco has both in abundance. He’ll come back stronger, and we’ll be waiting.”
Rossi emphasized that his decision wasn’t made lightly, and that he plans to return to the NHL after completing his service commitment, which is expected to last approximately 12 months.
“I’m not retiring. I’m not walking away forever,” he assured reporters. “This is just something I feel I need to do — for myself, for my country, and for my growth as a person.”
Born in Feldkirch, Austria, Rossi has always maintained a strong connection to his roots. His journey to the NHL was marked by perseverance, including a widely publicized battle with myocarditis in 2021 that nearly ended his career. Since then, he has consistently spoken about valuing life beyond hockey — a message he reiterated Friday.
“Life gave me a second chance back then. And now, I’m choosing to give back in a different way,” Rossi said. “I’ve lived my hockey dream, and I’ll continue to live it — just after this important chapter.”
As Rossi exited the press conference to a standing ovation, fans outside the facility chanted his name and held up signs of support, with one reading, “Our Hero On and Off the Ice.”
Though the Minnesota Wild will have to forge ahead next season without one of their brightest stars, the legacy of Marco Rossi’s decision will likely extend far beyond the rink — serving as a testament to courage, loyalty, and a different kind of greatness.