Marco Rossi Bio
Marco Rossi is an Austrian professional ice hockey player who serves as a centre for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2020 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut in 2022. Rossi joined the Canucks in December 2025. Throughout his career, he has represented Austria in international competitions at the junior level.
Early Life and Background
Marco Rossi was born on 23 September 2001 in Feldkirch, Austria. He first stepped onto the ice at the age of three, quickly developing a passion for hockey. His father, Michael Rossi, played ice hockey for 20 years, primarily with VEU Feldkirch, providing his son with early exposure to the sport.
Rossi grew up in Feldkirch, which sits close to the Austria-Switzerland border. At age ten, he moved to Switzerland to pursue better opportunities in hockey. His family made significant sacrifices during this period, with Marco and his father commuting two hours each way so that Marco could continue his education while advancing his career.
At age 13, Rossi relocated to Zurich to continue his development within the ZSC Lions junior system. He frequently played in older age categories against bigger competition, which helped accelerate his growth as a player.
Path to Hockey
Rossi spent several years developing within the ZSC Lions organization in Switzerland before making his professional debut. During the 2017-18 season, he appeared in 18 games with the GCK Lions of the Swiss League, recording seven points. The experience of playing against older, more experienced players prepared him for the next step in his career.
Following his debut with the GCK Lions, Rossi was selected 18th overall by the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the CHL Import Draft. This marked his transition to North American junior hockey, setting the stage for his breakout seasons.
Marco Rossi Career
Ottawa 67’s (2018–2020)
Rossi joined the Ottawa 67’s for the 2018-19 season and made an immediate impact. He recorded 65 points in 53 games, finishing fourth on the team in scoring. He added 22 points in 17 playoff games, helping his team compete for a championship. His strong performance earned him a spot on the OHL Second All-Star Team.
Rossi returned for the 2019-20 season and elevated his game to an exceptional level. He led the entire Ontario Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League in scoring with 120 points in 56 games. His dominance earned him the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the OHL’s leading scorer, the CHL Top Scorer Award, and the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s most outstanding player. He was also named to the OHL First All-Star Team. Rossi became the first European-born player to lead the OHL in scoring.
Minnesota Wild (2020–2025)
Entering the 2020 NHL Draft, Rossi was regarded as a top prospect, ranked sixth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The Minnesota Wild selected him ninth overall in the first round. On 23 October 2020, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Wild.
After signing, Rossi was loaned to the ZSC Lions to stay game-ready until NHL training camp. However, he contracted COVID-19 late in 2020 and experienced long-term complications, delaying his start with the Wild organization. He recovered and eventually joined the Iowa Wild, Minnesota’s American Hockey League affiliate, for the 2021-22 season.
Rossi posted 23 points in 21 games with Iowa before earning a recall to the NHL in January 2022. He made his NHL debut on 6 January 2022 against the Boston Bruins. He appeared in two NHL games before returning to Iowa to continue his development. He spent several more seasons with the Wild organization, gradually establishing himself as an NHL player before the trade to Vancouver.
Vancouver Canucks (2025–Present)
On 12 December 2025, Rossi was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in a major transaction. The Canucks acquired Rossi along with Liam Öhgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round draft pick in exchange for Quinn Hughes. Rossi signed a three-year contract with Vancouver, committing his future to the organization through 2028.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rossi is a dynamic playmaker known for his exceptional hockey intelligence and vision on the ice. Despite his smaller stature at 5 feet 9 inches, he compensates with outstanding skating ability, quick acceleration, and strong edge work that allows him to maneuver around larger opponents. His two-way game and high compete level make him a reliable presence at both ends of the rink.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rossi’s career has included several significant achievements. His 120-point season in the OHL remains one of the most productive campaigns in league history for a European-born player. Representing Austria at multiple international tournaments demonstrated his commitment to his national team. His recovery from COVID-19 and eventual NHL debut represented a meaningful milestone in his professional journey.
Marco Rossi Career Wins
Rossi accumulated impressive statistics during his junior career and has continued to develop as a professional. His junior achievements include multiple individual awards and recognition as one of the top scorers in Canadian Hockey League history.
Ontario Hockey League Highlights
Rossi’s most decorated season came in 2019-20 with the Ottawa 67’s. He led the OHL and CHL in scoring with 120 points in 56 games, earning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy, the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL MVP, the CHL Top Scorer Award, and selections to both the OHL First All-Star Team and Second All-Star Team across his two seasons. He finished his OHL career with over 180 points across two seasons.
Other Achievements
Prior to his OHL career, Rossi played professionally in Switzerland with the GCK Lions. He has represented Austria internationally at multiple tournaments, including the World U18 Championship and World Junior Championship at various division levels.
Marco Rossi Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Rossi is the youngest of three children born to Michael and Claudia Rossi. His father, Michael, played ice hockey for 20 years, mainly with VEU Feldkirch, giving Marco a strong hockey background from an early age. This family connection to the sport played a significant role in Marco’s development and passion for the game.
Personal Life
Rossi maintains a devout Christian faith and regularly prays with his girlfriend before games. He does not drink alcohol and keeps a focused lifestyle centered on his hockey career. Outside of hockey, Rossi is a fan of Red Bull Racing in Formula One. He attended school while commuting during his teenage years in Switzerland, demonstrating his commitment to balancing education with athletics.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025-26 season marks a new chapter for Rossi with the Vancouver Canucks. After several seasons within the Minnesota Wild organization, the trade to Vancouver represents an opportunity for him to continue his NHL development with a new team. His three-year contract signals the Canucks’ investment in his long-term potential.
Rossi brings a combination of offensive skill and two-way responsibility to the Canucks lineup. His experience from the Wild organization and his successful junior career in the OHL provide a foundation for continued growth at the NHL level.