The Chicago Blackhawks have made a significant trade move by exchanging Joe Veleno to the Seattle Kraken for Andre Burakovsky. The deal, announced on Saturday, sees the 30-year-old Russian winger come to the Blackhawks after spending two seasons with the Washington Capitals and Colorado Avalanche.
Veleno, who joined the Blackhawks at the March trade deadline in exchange for goaltender Petr Mrazek and right wing Craig Smith, played 18 games with the team before being dealt away. During his time with the Blackhawks, he scored three goals and four assists.
In contrast, Burakovsky had a productive season last year, scoring 10 goals and recording 37 points in 82 games. The veteran winger will become a key player for the Blackhawks, bringing experience and skill to the team’s forward line.
The trade marks an end to Veleno’s tenure with the Blackhawks, who had struggled to find a comfortable role for him during his five-year stint with the team. After being traded by the Detroit Red Wings in 2020, Veleno has failed to replicate his form, scoring just eight goals and nine assists in 74 games.
The Kraken have expressed their gratitude towards Veleno’s former coach Jeff Blashill, who is now with the Blackhawks. In a statement, general manager Jason Botterill described Burakovsky as “a valuable player” for the organization, praising his experience and flexibility moving forward.
Source: https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2025/06/ex-red-wings-first-round-pick-traded-for-second-time-in-2025.html