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Ranking the top 31 prospects in the 2020 NHL Draft: 4. Marco Rossi

By Daniel Bruce

PETERBOROUGH, ON - MARCH 14: Marco Rossi #23 of the Ottawa 67's skates against the Peterborough Petes during an OHL game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on March 14, 2019 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The 67's defeated the Petes 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
PETERBOROUGH, ON - MARCH 14: Marco Rossi #23 of the Ottawa 67's skates against the Peterborough Petes during an OHL game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on March 14, 2019 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The 67's defeated the Petes 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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OSHAWA, ON – MARCH 1: Marco Rossi #23 of the Ottawa 67’s skates during an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals at the Tribute Communities Centre on March 1, 2020 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
OSHAWA, ON – MARCH 1: Marco Rossi #23 of the Ottawa 67’s skates during an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals at the Tribute Communities Centre on March 1, 2020 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images) /

Strengths

Hockey Sense

Rossi plays with so much poise when he is on the ice, it seems like the game slows down for him like it does for many special players. He rarely turns the puck over in the offensive zone, always waiting for the best opportunity to find his teammates.

While Rossi does many things well, this is the facet of his game which shines the most, he always finds himself in good positions, and the puck just tends to follow him around the ice.

His hockey sense isn’t just on display on the offensive side, he is plenty capable in his defensive responsibilities as well. He is a master at breaking out his own end whether skating it out or making a nice first pass, while it will get tougher in the pros, expect Rossi to be solid in his own end at the NHL level too, also being no slouch in the face-off circle either.

A common sight when watching Rossi is his ability to strip opposing players, here on the back check he strips the Hamilton Bulldogs forward and quickly turns the play the other way for a chance.

Rossi is one of/if not the best player in the draft at completing passes, he rarely forces a pass through tight windows and usually waits for the perfect chance to deliver one. In the clip below Rossi doesn’t force the pass through the sliding defender and patiently side steps the defenceman to get a clear pass to his teammate for the goal.

Exceptional on the power play as well, due to his great poise with the puck coupled with his next level hockey sense.

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Passing

Finishing with a crazy 81 assists this season, there is no doubting Rossi is one of the premier passers in this years draft.

While Rossi makes many good passes, he makes it look so easy at points that the plays he makes are rarely highlight worthy, he just consistently makes the right plays.

A dynamo on the power play, Rossi finished with 38 points with the man advantage primarily due his great vision which allows him to find his teammates for high quality scoring chances.

Rossi’s head is up before the puck even gets to him in this play, where he reacts and quickly one times it right onto his teammates stick for the beautiful assist.

From his position on the half wall on the power play, Rossi either sets up his defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer, or looks to fire a cross seam pass for a chance. Just by a flick of the wrist below, Rossi is able to get the puck to his teammate at lightning speed for the goal.

While Rossi’s skating isn’t mentioned as high as his hockey sense and passing, his agility and balance while skating, especially with the puck is impressive as well.

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