Chicago Blackhawks Acquire Andre Burakovsky
In a significant roster move over the weekend, the Chicago Blackhawks completed a trade to bring Andre Burakovsky into their fold, acquiring the skilled forward from the Seattle Kraken. In exchange, the Blackhawks sent Joe Veleno, a player with promising potential, to Seattle.
Burakovsky’s Impressive Track Record
Burakovsky, who is celebrated for his contributions to two Stanley Cup-winning teams, ended his last season in Seattle with an impressive tally of 37 points, comprising 10 goals and 27 assists over 79 games. As part of a five-year contract that still has two seasons left, his salary cap hit stands at $5.5 million annually.
Jason Botterill, Kraken general manager, expressed appreciation for Burakovsky’s impact, stating, “Andre was a valuable player for our organization during the three years he was here, and we wish him and his family the best of luck in Chicago.”
Botterill noted that securing Veleno adds youthful experience to their lineup while enhancing salary cap flexibility for future moves.
Joe Veleno’s Career Overview
The seasoned Burakovsky has not only accumulated 387 points—a mix of 153 goals and 234 assists—throughout his NHL tenure, but he has also played for high-profile teams including the Washington Capitals, where he was drafted 23rd overall in 2013, and the Colorado Avalanche.
On the other side, Joe Veleno, aged 25, contributed 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) last season while splitting his time between the Detroit Red Wings and the Blackhawks. In his career, Veleno has recorded a total of 81 points across 306 games, displaying his capabilities in both the Detroit and Chicago lineups after being picked 30th overall by the Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Draft.
This trade signifies a strategic move by both teams as they reshape their rosters for the upcoming seasons.
