The Seattle Kraken made a significant move by trading forward Andre Burakovsky to the Chicago Blackhawks, acquiring Joe Veleno in exchange. This announcement was made on Saturday, marking a notable change for both teams.
Burakovsky, who played his last season with the Kraken, finished with 10 goals and 37 points over 79 games. The 30-year-old winger stands at 6-foot-3 and is currently in the fourth season of a five-year contract worth $27.5 million, with a cap hit of $5.5 million annually. His contract will make him an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season. Throughout his career, Burakovsky has been a significant player, registering 153 goals and 387 points in 696 games across stints with the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, and Kraken. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, winning with the Capitals in 2018 and the Avalanche in 2022.
Kraken general manager Jason Botterill praised Burakovsky’s contributions during his tenure, expressing best wishes for his future in Chicago. Botterill emphasized the move was not only about parting with a valuable player but also about enhancing the team’s salary cap flexibility and bringing in a younger talent.
Joe Veleno, the 25-year-old center coming from the Blackhawks, had a decent season in 2024-25, scoring eight goals and racking up 17 points in 74 games, after previously playing with the Detroit Red Wings. Veleno was drafted 30th overall in 2018 and has since accumulated 38 goals and 81 points across 306 career games.
This trade presents both teams with fresh opportunities. While the Kraken gain a young player and more financial flexibility, the Blackhawks secure an experienced forward in Burakovsky who can contribute immediately to their lineup. Overall, this trade reflects an active approach by both franchises as they strive to enhance their competitive edge moving forward.