2020 NHL Draft Scouting Report: Marco Rossi

Background

Marco Rossi was born on September 23rd 2001 in Fedlkirch Austria. Fedlkirch is a medieval city. It is located on the Austrian border with Switzerland and the German-speaking micro-state, Liechtenstein.

Rossi just might be the first Austrian born player selected in the first round since Michael Grabner was selected 14th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2006.

Rossi played his minor hockey in Austria before making his way to Switzerland to play for the Under-15 and Under-17 teams. After getting four goals and three assists in 18 games with the GC Kusnacht Lions of the Swiss NLB, Rossi was taken 18th overall in the first round of the CHL Import draft by the Ottawa 67s.

Last season he had 29 goals and 36 assists in 53 games. In the playoffs, the 18-year-old had six goals and 16 assists in 22 games as the 67s went to the OHL finals but lost to the Guelph Storm in six games.

He is entering his second season with the 67s and it is a big one because he is eligible for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Many scouts say this could be one of the best drafts in a long time.

Scouting Report

Rossi is a skilled and slick player who is very dangerous offensively. He is a quick skater with good stride and agility that is used to get around defenders easily. Using his excellent skating skills he cuts to the net hard while on the rush.

The Austrian displays good hands and puck handling and he is very creative with the puck. He knows how to get around defenders easily with his skill moves. and his bursts of speed. His creativity is what makes him dangerous because you never know what he might do next.

Rossi has a quick wrist shot with an excellent release and he really knows how to find those top corners. He is a talented shooter and playmaker. You can always count on him to put the puck in the net and to find his teammates with his tape to tape passes. Rossi does this by giving his teammates time to get open.

He is good defensively as well. Rossi has been a big part of the 67s penalty kill and is a reliable faceoff man.

Rossi is only 5’9 and 179 pounds. Yes, he is small but he plays big using his speed, shooting, and creativity.

Potential and Projection

I can see Rossi being a top-six centre in the NHL and possibly even a first-line centre. I could see him going anywhere from 10th to 15th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. However, a lot could change between now and June.

Check out more Scouting Reports:

Tim Stutzle Scouting Report

Anton Lundell Scouting Report