Rossi signs first contract

Just over two weeks after Austrian ice hockey prospect Marco Rossi was selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Draft, the Vorarlberg native signed his rookie contract on Friday.

As the franchise announced on its website, Rossi was handed the obligatory Entry-Level Contract, which runs for three years and provides for an annual salary of US$925.000.

"I am very happy and extremely excited. 23rd October will remain a very special day throughout my life. Signing the contract has now brought clarity regarding my future. Now it is a matter of continuing to work hard and taking the next step. I am more motivated than ever and will do everything necessary to earn NHL appearances," said Rossi, who has been named in the squad for the Austrian U20 national team for the St. Pölten Cup from 4 to 7 November.

Austria's former NHL star Thomas Vanek will become something of a mentor to Marco Rossi. The Vorarlberg native has accepted Vanek's offer of support. Vanek will take in the Austrian prospect as soon as the new Minnesota Wild centre travels to the States.

When that will be remains unclear, however, as training camps are set to take place four weeks before the start of the NHL season. Vanek wants to make Rossi's settling-in period easier, and Rossi is expected to benefit from the ice hockey pioneer's experience. Rossi's parents are also overwhelmed and very pleased that Vanek and his family will look after their son while they themselves cannot be by his side.