A Savvy Offseason Swap
The Chicago Blackhawks made a calculated offseason move to strengthen their top-six forward group, sending the much-criticized Joe Veleno to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Andre Burakovsky.
Andre Burakovsky,
The deal looked even better when Seattle immediately bought out Veleno, allowing Chicago to shed his $2.275 million cap hit while picking up a former 20-goal scorer.
Burakovsky’s Struggles in Seattle
Burakovsky is coming off three underwhelming seasons in Seattle after signing as a free agent in the wake of the Colorado Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory.
Andre Burakovsky,
He enters the fourth year of a five-year contract that carries a $5.5 million cap hit—a hefty price for a player who managed just 10 goals in 79 games last season.
A Fresh Start in Chicago
A change of scenery could reignite Burakovsky’s scoring touch. Slated to skate on the top line with Connor Bedard and Ryan Donato, the 30-year-old has a prime opportunity to bounce back.
Andre Burakovsky,
If he does, the Blackhawks may field strong interest from contenders at the trade deadline—not because of poor play, but because a revived Burakovsky would be a sought-after depth addition for a playoff push.
Building for the Future
Chicago, in turn, could flip him for valuable future assets to accelerate their rebuild. With rising talents like Bedard, Frank Nazar and Alex Vlasic, the team is now positioned to use draft picks and prospects to lure more elite players when the time is right.
Reasons to Keep Him
There’s also a solid argument for holding on to Burakovsky. Should he find his rhythm early, he would give Bedard another skilled winger, creating a legitimate top line alongside Donato. Even if making the playoffs isn’t the immediate objective, fans would welcome progress after a string of disappointing seasons.
Long-Term Flexibility
Burakovsky, a 2013 first-round pick, won’t reach free agency until 2027, and Chicago has plenty of cap room to keep him for a couple of years without risk.
A Classic “Sell-High” Opportunity
Rebuilding teams often cash in on veterans when their value spikes. Burakovsky fits that mold perfectly: he gets a chance to reestablish himself as a 20-goal threat, and the Blackhawks gain either a productive top-line forward or the chance to trade him for future pieces.
A Win-Win Scenario
Either way, the acquisition already looks like a smart gamble for Chicago—one that could pay off whether Burakovsky stays or goes.
