Minnesota Wild top prospect Marco Rossi has zero doubt that he will be an NHLer in 2021-22

For Minnesota Wild prospect Marco Rossi, this past year was among the most challenging years of his entire life, suffering from severe complications during his bout with COVID-19.

Rossi, 19, was originally expected to challenge for a spot in Minnesota's lineup during training camp last season. However, due to some concerning results from his cardiac screening during camp, which showed signs of myocarditis, Rossi was effectively shut down and sent home to recover.

At points, Rossi recalled going to sleep and not knowing whether he would ever wake up - a scary and intense experience for such a young athlete on the cusp of challenging for a spot in the best professional hockey league in the world. It was moments like those that popped into Rossi's mind when he scored against Italy during a pre-Olympic qualifying match on Sunday, reminding him how lucky he truly is.

"All the memories came into my mind from the past. I went through a really tough time. When I scored that goal, I was so relieved. The goal means a lot to me because it gives me more confidence that I'm healthy again," said Rossi.

Despite his terrifying battle with COVID-19 and the complications that followed, the Austrian center has now recovered and fully believes, in his heart of hearts, that he will be an NHL player this season. That said, he also acknowledged to The Athletic's Michael Russo that he will have to earn it in training camp.

"I know I haven't played a lot of games in the last year, year and a half, but now that I can see my fitness level and my shape, I know I'm better in shape than a lot of NHL players. I see no doubt about that I can play in the NHL. I know I can play there. I know how good I am, but I have to prove myself in a training camp that I'm ready for that. I know it's going to be up to me to show I'm ready to play right away."

Rossi was the Wild's 1st selection, 9th-overall, in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The OHL standout scored 120 points in 56 games with the Ottawa 67's in his draft year. If the Wild can add Rossi to an already stellar group in Minnesota this season, they stand a reasonably decent chance of making some real noise in the Central Division.

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