Introduction to the Trade
The Chicago Blackhawks have made a significant move in the NHL market by acquiring Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for fellow forward Joe Veleno. This trade marks a notable shift in the team’s strategy, aiming to bolster their scoring capabilities and size on the ice.
Details of the Trade
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken on Saturday in exchange for fellow forward Joe Veleno.
Player Profiles
Burakovsky, 30, had 10 goals and 27 assists in 79 games with Seattle last season. A Stanley Cup champion with Washington in 2018 and Colorado in 2022, he has 153 goals and 234 assists in 696 regular-season games over 11 NHL seasons. The acquisition of Burakovsky gives Chicago some additional size and scoring, and the trade creates more flexibility for Seattle with the salary cap.
Impact on Team Dynamics
The 6-foot-3 Burakovsky was selected by Washington with the No. 23 pick in the 2013 draft. He signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with Seattle in July 2022. On the other hand, Veleno, 25, was traded from Detroit to Chicago in March. He finished with eight goals and nine assists in 74 games last season. The 6-1 Veleno has 38 goals and 43 assists in 306 career regular-season games. He has a cap hit of $2.275 million for next season in the final year of his contract.
Additional Moves
Chicago also placed defenseman T.J. Brodie on unconditional waivers for purposes of buying out his contract. Brodie, 35, agreed to a $7.5 million, two-year contract with Chicago last summer. He had two goals and eight assists in 54 games last season.
Conclusion
The trade between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Seattle Kraken, exchanging Andre Burakovsky for Joe Veleno, signifies a strategic move by both teams to adjust their rosters for the upcoming season. This transaction not only affects the teams’ lineups but also has implications for the salary cap and future signings. As the NHL season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these moves play out on the ice.
FAQs
- Q: Who did the Chicago Blackhawks acquire from the Seattle Kraken?
- A: The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken.
- Q: What was given in exchange for Andre Burakovsky?
- A: The Blackhawks traded fellow forward Joe Veleno in exchange for Burakovsky.
- Q: What other move did the Chicago Blackhawks make in addition to the trade?
- A: They placed defenseman T.J. Brodie on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out his contract.
- Q: What experience does Andre Burakovsky bring to the Blackhawks?
- A: Burakovsky is a Stanley Cup champion, having won with Washington in 2018 and Colorado in 2022, and he brings significant NHL experience with 696 regular-season games played.
- Q: How does this trade affect the salary cap for both teams?
- A: The trade creates more flexibility for Seattle with the salary cap, while Chicago acquires a player with a $5.5 million cap hit for the next four seasons, which was part of his five-year, $27.5 million contract signed in July 2022.
