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Calgary4LIfe · 07-03-2025, 05:13 PM

I really get nervous at any Rossi acquisition. I look at him this way:

Pros
High IQ
High compete
Physical
Good playmaker
Very good shooter

Cons:
Undersized
Average speed

I don't think you can have two major flaws as a #1 center. Even if he was a burner, but undersized, I am not sure I would have him as a #1 Center just because of the defensive responsibilities, but he would be much closer to that. So I sort of think of him this way:

He is not a #1 center on any team.
He is not a #2 center on a contender.

I would want to acquire Rossi if the Flames were turning a corner. He would be a great 1st/2nd line winger to target who adds skill and compete to any team, as well as insurance in case a center goes down, plus would be better than most wingers at taking draws.

What I don't see him as is a piece that you add when you are at the start of a rebuild. If you see him as a #1 center, than we just have to agree to disagree on move on.

I would feel the same way about a 6'4" center who is slow - if you aren't fast enough, you can't be a #1 center. I think maybe you can be on a weaker team, or if given certain linemates, but I think a lack of size and speed down the middle makes your team easier to play against.

07-03-2025, 05:13 PM	#3858
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I really get nervous at any Rossi acquisition. I look at him this way: Pros High IQ High compete Physical Good playmaker Very good shooter Cons: Undersized Average speed I don't think you can have two major flaws as a #1 center. Even if he was a burner, but undersized, I am not sure I would have him as a #1 Center just because of the defensive responsibilities, but he would be much closer to that. So I sort of think of him this way: He is not a #1 center on any team. He is not a #2 center on a contender. I would want to acquire Rossi if the Flames were turning a corner. He would be a great 1st/2nd line winger to target who adds skill and compete to any team, as well as insurance in case a center goes down, plus would be better than most wingers at taking draws. What I don't see him as is a piece that you add when you are at the start of a rebuild. If you see him as a #1 center, than we just have to agree to disagree on move on. I would feel the same way about a 6'4" center who is slow - if you aren't fast enough, you can't be a #1 center. I think maybe you can be on a weaker team, or if given certain linemates, but I think a lack of size and speed down the middle makes your team easier to play against.