The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired forward Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Joe Veleno. Burakovsky, 30, played 79 games last season with the Kraken, tallying 10 goals and 27 assists for a total of 37 points. This move is a significant addition for the Blackhawks as they aim to bolster their offensive depth with a proven player.
Burakovsky comes with a salary cap hit of $5.5 million per season for the remaining two years on his five-year contract. He brings valuable playoff experience, having won two Stanley Cups during his NHL career. Kraken GM Jason Botterill acknowledged Burakovsky’s contributions over his three seasons in Seattle and noted that the trade helps the team gain both a younger player and greater salary cap flexibility.
Andre Burakovsky (NHL)Blackhawks Reshape Roster, Add Burakovsky and Place Brodie on Unconditional Waivers
In a corresponding move, the Blackhawks also placed defenseman TJ Brodie on unconditional waivers to buy out his contract, indicating a broader effort to reshape their roster. Burakovsky’s career includes stints with the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken, totaling 387 points across 696 games since being drafted 23rd overall in 2013 by Washington.
Joe Veleno, the 25-year-old forward heading to Seattle, split last season between the Detroit Red Wings and Blackhawks, registering 17 points in 74 games. Selected 30th overall by Detroit in the 2018 NHL Draft, Veleno brings youth and NHL experience to the Kraken, having scored 81 points in 306 career games.
