The Chicago Blackhawks made headlines on June 21 when general manager Kyle Davidson acquired Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Joe Veleno. The Kraken needed cap space. The Hawks grabbed a skilled winger with upside.
Burakovsky arrives in Chicago at 30 years old, with two seasons left on his contract at $5.5 million AAV. He’s expected to slide directly into a top-six role on a roster still in transition.
A Season to Forget
Burakovsky is coming off his worst full season since 2018–19. In 79 games (NHL.com stats).
He posted 37 points, including just 10 goals. As a result, that translates to 0.13 goals per game, the lowest scoring rate of his career.”
The numbers behind it are even more troubling. His shooting percentage dropped to 8.7%, almost five percent below his career average. That kind of dip explains the lack of finish. On the power play, he managed just a handful of assists and, for the first time since his sophomore season, zero goals with the man advantage.
For a player known for his release and offensive instincts, those are alarming signs.
The Role in Chicago
Despite the downturn, Burakovsky will get every opportunity in Chicago. In a rebuilding lineup, he’s not just another body — he’s a bridge player, someone who holds a top-six spot until prospects are ready to take over.
That doesn’t mean he’s a placeholder. Burakovsky has proven in the past he can be a difference-maker. In 2021–22 with Colorado, he scored 22 goals and 61 points, playing an important role on a Stanley Cup contender. Over his career, he’s averaged 18 goals and 46 points per season.
For the Blackhawks, that’s exactly the type of production they need. He’s not a play driver, but with Connor Bedardset to take another step forward, Burakovsky’s hands, shot, and skating could complement Chicago’s young star.
And here’s something worth noting: last year, Ryan Donato had the best season of his career with Chicago. If the system and opportunity helped him, why not Burakovsky? The same setup could give him the spark he needs.
Avalanche Burakovsky vs Kraken Burakovsky
That’s the big question: which version of Burakovsky shows up in 2025?
With the Avalanche, he was consistent — three straight seasons with 19, 20, and 22 goals. In Seattle, the story was different. Injuries cut two years short, holding him to just 49 games each season. Even then, he managed around 14 goals per year. By last season, he dropped all the way to 10.
The talent hasn’t disappeared. The Hawks are betting that with more ice time, top-line usage, and power play minutes, his numbers will rebound.
Davidson’s Play
For Kyle Davidson, this is a low-risk, high-upside move. Burakovsky cost only Veleno — a center the Hawks could afford to move. If Burakovsky finds his Colorado form, he adds skill and experience to the top six. He can ease pressure on Bedard, chip in on the power play, and give Chicago a reliable offensive option.
And if things go really well? Davidson could flip Burakovsky at the 2027 trade deadline, when he’s in the final year of his contract. A productive winger with playoff experience could fetch a second-round pick — maybe even a first. That’s a strong return on a short-term gamble.
The Bottom Line
Andrei Burakovsky’s fit in Chicago comes down to which version of the player shows up. If he looks like the Avalanche winger who scored 20+ goals a year, he can be a real asset. If the Kraken struggles continue, he’s a veteran filling space until the Blackhawks’ next wave arrives.
Either way, the deal reflects Davidson’s rebuild plan: take smart risks, add skill, and keep the future in focus.
Blackhawks fans — what do you expect from Burakovsky this season? Will he bounce back, or is he just a trade chip waiting to be moved?
Thanks Coach for another great read. I watched some abbreviated Kraken games on the NHL app, just to get a read of what Burakovsky might bring to the Hawks. I wasn’t expecting too much since the initial reaction of the trade was not very high, but I was surprised to see that he had points in all but one of the games that I had watched, with I think several games he had multi-point games. (I might have watched 4-6 games). He seems to be a fluid skater with good hands, and was adept at the give and go, and cross ice passes which led to points. I can see some upside for this trade. Hopefully it pans out.
Thanks for your reply and the kind words. ????
You probably caught his games between March 18 and April 5. In that stretch, Burakovsky put up 11 points in 10 games — with four multi-point nights. Solid numbers.
You gave a great breakdown on his game. He’s a smooth skater, good hands, and dangerous on those quick passes. I agree — there’s upside here.
I believe he’ll bounce back in Chicago. More ice time, more power play minutes. That’s where he can make a real impact for the Hawks.