Rosén was traded to Winnipeg on March 6 in a deal that sent Luke Schenn, Logan Stanley, and draft picks back to Buffalo, a move that arrives at just the right time for his continued pro development. The concern heading into this year was whether his game would translate to the NHL, or whether he was destined to be a very good AHL player – a real risk for someone in the midst of a fourth full professional season in the minors. Buffalo simply had too much competition for a player of his profile, and the move rhymes with the Matt Savoie-for-Ryan McLeod deal in terms of the Sabres converting surplus wingers into something they needed, in this case depth on the blue line. He had earned the opportunity, posting 25 goals and 43 points in 37 games with Rochester this year, including an AHL Player of the Month nod in November.

In Winnipeg, Rosen has a genuine chance to crack a bottom-nine that the Jets have historically under-invested in relative to their top line. His quick playstyle and NHL-caliber release should set him apart from a depth group that has struggled to generate offense. RFA this summer, his next contract will tell you everything about how Winnipeg values him. Buy in dynasty leagues while the opportunity window is open, and maybe even a good stream depending on how far up the lineup he can manage to climb.

Rosen was traded to the Winnipeg Jets at the 2026 NHL Trade deadline

Rosen improved upon his previous year’s totals, collecting 28 goals and 55 points in 61 games this season. The 22-year-old will be entering his fourth North American season, having spent the last three in the AHL with Rochester. He was among the AHL’s scoring leaders before spending a short stint in the NHL and then finishing his year with a scoreless streak in Rochester. The Sabres gave him a few opportunities late in the year due to injuries. During those games, he played without the puck quite often, resorting to safe passes and passive play. More familiarity with the NHL’s pace and systems might help with his confidence and effectiveness at that level.

Rosen’s sophomore AHL season has been a success up to this point. He is tied with Lukas Rousek for the scoring lead among Rochester Americans players. His ten goals and 26 points in 34 games with Rochester have earned him 2024 AHL All-Star honors alongside fellow top Americans scorer Jiri Kulich. Both Kulich and Rosen received a call-up to the Buffalo Sabres on November 25, 2023. Rosen played seven games with the NHL squad during this stint, averaging 8:35 of ice time per game. The 20-year-old continues to make progress.