Blackhawks Trade for Andre Burakovsky, Send Joe Veleno to Kraken
The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired veteran forward Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in a Saturday trade, sending Joe Veleno the other way in a player-for-player deal.
Burakovsky, 30, is a seasoned offensive winger who tallied 37 points (10 goals, 27 assists) across 79 regular-season games with Seattle during the 2024–25 NHL season. Known for his strong playmaking and speed, Burakovsky brings a wealth of experience to the Blackhawks’ forward group.
A two-time Stanley Cup champion, Burakovsky carries a $5.5 million cap hit for each of the remaining two years on his current five-year contract. His playoff experience and offensive upside are expected to bolster Chicago’s top six and provide valuable leadership to a developing roster.
“Andre was a valuable player for our organization during the three years he was here,” said Kraken GM Jason Botterill in a statement. “We wish him and his family the best of luck in Chicago. In return, we’ve acquired a young player with NHL experience while also gaining more salary cap flexibility moving forward.”
Burakovsky has amassed 387 career points (153 goals, 234 assists) over 696 NHL games, having played for the Washington Capitals (2014–2019), Colorado Avalanche (2019–2022), and the Kraken (2022–2025). He was originally selected 23rd overall by the Capitals in the 2013 NHL Draft.
Going to Seattle in the deal is Joe Veleno, a 25-year-old center who split last season between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, notching 17 points (8 goals, 9 assists) in 74 games. Veleno brings a solid two-way game and still holds potential to grow into a more consistent NHL contributor.
Originally selected 30th overall by Detroit in the 2018 NHL Draft, Veleno has recorded 81 career points (38 goals, 43 assists) across 306 games with the Red Wings and Blackhawks.
This trade reflects both teams’ differing strategies — Chicago looks to add veteran scoring and leadership, while Seattle continues to build cap flexibility and develop younger assets.
