BURAKOVSKY FOR VELENO
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired winger Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken for forward Joe Veleno.
What does it give the Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks get an older player with a higher cap hit in Burakovsky, whose $5.5 million deal expires after 2026-27. The veteran winger is coming off a 10-goal campaign (37 points) with the Kraken and is now 30 years of age. Can Burakovsky help Chicago? The jury is out.
What does it give the Seattle Kraken
This deal helps reduce Seattle's salary cap situation by acquiring Veleno for Burakovsky. The former has only one more season left on his contract ($2.275 million) and will become a restricted free agent after 2025-26. If Seattle keeps Veleno, he could center their fourth line.
Fantasy impact
Can Burakovsky turn things around in Chicago. It is possible but not necessarily likely. Let someone else take a flier on him. As for Veleno, he is mainly a role player in the NHL. Pass.
