Photo: David Banks-Imagn Images

Blackhawks Acquire Andre Burakovsky from Kraken

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 1:58 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks have wasted no time improving their roster following the completion of the Stanley Cup Final. After the Florida Panthers hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup, Kyle Davidson inked forward Ryan Donato to a brand new four-year deal worth $16 million. On Saturday, the Blackhawks' GM pulled off another move, acquiring winger Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken.

The 30-year-old was acquired in exchange for forward Joe Veleno. The Hawks acquired Veleno at last season's trade deadline in exchange for Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith. Now, he is going to Seattle. There are no other pieces involved in the deal.

Saturday morning trade

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— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 21, 2025

Veleno carries a $2.275 million cap hit for the upcoming season before hitting restricted free agency. On the other hand, Burakovsky carries a $5.5 million cap hit for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the age of 32.

Overall, the deal makes a lot of sense for both sides. Veleno is the type of player that the Blackhawks have a lot of on their roster. Burakovsky brings a scoring presence and has shown when playing higher in the lineup, he can produce at a very respectable clip. Seattle gets some additional cap space from the trade and a bottom-six forward while the Blackhawks get another low-risk weapon to put amongst some of their young pillars of the franchise.

The Blackhawks and the rest of the NHL have less than one week until the NHL Draft. The Blackhawks are currently sitting at the third overall pick, but could reportedly be looking to deal the selection. A lot more movement is highly likely before Friday's first round kicks off.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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