The Seattle Kraken traded veteran forward Andre Burakovsky to the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday morning in exchange for 25-year-old center Joe Veleno. The move clears salary cap space for the Kraken, allowing them to focus on future moves.
Burakovsky, 30, had a $5.5 million cap hit over two remaining seasons of his five-year contract. Veleno has one season left on his current deal, with a $2.275 million cap hit. The trade benefits both teams, as Burakovsky’s production declined despite playing injury-free for the first time in three years.
Veleno was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings and played 288 games before being traded to the Blackhawks. He has 38 goals and 43 assists in 306 career games. The Kraken acquired Veleno as part of a larger trade that also brought in Mason Marchment, who came off a 22-goal season with the Dallas Stars.
General manager Jason Botterill praised Burakovsky’s contributions to the team during his three-year tenure but said the move allows for increased flexibility moving forward. The Kraken will likely use the salary cap space to bolster their roster and compete in the NHL.
Source: https://sports.mynorthwest.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/seattle-kraken-trade-andre-burakovsky-chicago-blackhawks/1814236