The Seattle Kraken traded winger André Burakovsky to the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday morning in exchange for depth center Joe Veleno, a move that helps Seattle clear salary cap space.
Multiple reports indicate that the Blackhawks are taking on Burakovsky’s full contract, which carries a \$5.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons.
“Andre played an important role for us during his three years here, and we wish him and his family well in Chicago,” Kraken GM Jason Botterill said. “In return, we’ve brought in a young, experienced player and gained added salary cap flexibility.”
Burakovsky, 30, was Seattle’s top free-agent signing ahead of their sophomore season in 2022–23. He made an immediate impact, tallying 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) in 49 games before a torn groin sidelined him. However, injuries continued to plague him the following season, and his production never rebounded.
Over the last two years, Burakovsky totaled 53 points (17 goals, 36 assists) in 128 games.
After acquiring left winger Mason Marchment from the Dallas Stars on Thursday, Seattle found itself with an excess of left wings, making Burakovsky expendable. Offloading his full salary is seen as a major win for Botterill and the front office.
According to PuckPedia.com, the Kraken now have over \$18 million in cap space. While a significant portion will likely go toward new contracts for restricted free agents Kaapo Kakko and Ryker Evans, the team is expected to still have roughly \$10 million available as free agency begins July 1.
Veleno, 25, posted 17 points in 74 games last season with the Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. He carries a \$2.275 million cap hit for the 2025 season and will become a restricted free agent next summer.
Seattle could even consider buying out Veleno’s contract, which would free up nearly \$1.5 million this year and result in a minimal cap charge of under \$300,000 next season.
In his NHL career, Veleno has amassed 81 points (38 goals, 43 assists) over 306 games with Detroit and Chicago.