We all know how good the Winnipeg Jets were in the 2024–25 season. Presidents’ Trophy winners, with a star goaltender contending for both the Vezina and Hart Trophies. But, like every team in this league, they weren’t perfect. One glaring weakness? Faceoffs.

Looking back at the regular season stats, their top-line center Mark Scheifele posted a 49.4% win rate. Vladislav Namestnikov, their second-line center, managed just 46.1%. Third-line center Adam Lowry did a bit better at 51.8%, while Morgan Barron, who saw some time as the fourth-line center, recorded a respectable 52.1%.

Despite Scheifele’s sub-50% numbers, the top line still exceeded expectations. The second line, though, is a different story — and that’s where the concern lies. It’s clear Namestnikov isn’t an ideal fit for the second-line center role on a team with championship aspirations. He might be serviceable as a 2C on a bottom-10 team, but on the NHL’s top squad, he’s far better suited for a fourth-line role.

So, what’s the solution to the Jets’ 2C problem? One name stands out: Marco Rossi.

The 2020 ninth-overall pick from Minnesota is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, and it’s starting to feel like his time with the Wild could be coming to an end. The Jets might be ready to pounce.

In 82 games this season, the 23-year-old put up 24 goals and 60 points. His production was well-balanced between 5-on-5 and the power play. He’s a skilled, two-way center who could thrive alongside Cole Perfetti in a give-and-go cycle and feed Nikolaj Ehlers with clean passes off the rush.

When asked about re-signing with Minnesota, Rossi said, “I don’t know, we’ll see.” That uncertainty has sparked speculation across the league, and sources believe the situation could come to a head sooner than expected.

The Jets’ pursuit of additional forward depth — plus the expected promotion of Nikita Chibrikov — shouldn’t hinge on whether Ehlers stays or goes. Regardless of that decision, adding more offensive punch is a must.

Rossi would slot in perfectly as the Jets’ second-line center, with Namestnikov either dropping to the fourth line or potentially shifting over to Rossi’s left wing — depending, of course, on what happens with Ehlers.