Chicago Blackhawks take a chance on Andre Burakovsky to spark top line alongside Connor Bedard
The Chicago Blackhawks made a strategic move this offseason aimed at enhancing their top-six forward group. In a surprising trade, the franchise sent the oft-criticized Joe Veleno to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Andre Burakovsky. This trade gained further context when the Kraken promptly bought out Veleno, allowing the Blackhawks to shed his $2.275 million cap hit while acquiring a player with a proven scoring touch.
Burakovsky’s Recent Struggles
Burakovsky, however, comes with his own set of challenges. The 30-year-old winger has struggled during his three seasons in Seattle, a period that followed a successful tenure with the Colorado Avalanche, where he played a pivotal role in their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. Now in the fourth year of a five-year deal with a cap hit of $5.5 million, his recent performance raises eyebrows; he managed a mere 10 goals in 79 games last season. Despite these setbacks, the change of scenery in Chicago might be just what Burakovsky needs to reignite his career.
Potential for a Resurgence
Slated to play alongside rising star Connor Bedard and Ryan Donato on the Blackhawks’ top line, Burakovsky finds himself in a prime position to revitalize his game. This fresh start could serve as a catalyst for a rebound season. If Burakovsky can tap into his previous form, he may attract interest from contending teams as the trade deadline approaches. The allure of a rejuvenated forward could be too tempting for a playoff-bound franchise in need of depth.
Strategic Rebuilding
For the Blackhawks, the ability to trade Burakovsky for additional assets is a realistic scenario, helping them further their rebuilding efforts. As the team looks to bolster its roster around young talents like Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Alex Vlasic, they find themselves in a position to leverage valuable veterans for future gains. Chicago’s current strategy seems to involve balancing short-term fixes with long-term development, and Burakovsky fits neatly into that framework.
While flipping Burakovsky to a contending team is an option, the Blackhawks might also consider retaining him if he starts strong. Keeping Burakovsky could provide Bedard with another skilled player to share the ice with, potentially forming a competitive top line. Although the primary goal isn’t necessarily playoff contention this season, the organization recognizes the importance of improvement following a couple of tough years.
A Win-Win Situation
Burakovsky’s situation is also promising from a personal standpoint. The former first-round pick from the 2013 NHL Draft will be a free agent in 2027, meaning Chicago has little to lose by holding onto him during this transitional period. With ample cap space available, the team can afford to keep him on board while exploring other roster moves.
Ultimately, the acquisition of Burakovsky represents a calculated gamble for the Blackhawks. If he can return to the 20-goal scoring form that made him a crucial asset to the Avalanche, it could result in significant benefits for all parties involved. Whether as a valuable contributor to Chicago’s growth or as a trade asset to further enhance their future, Burakovsky’s journey in Chicago is one to watch.
