The Chicago Blackhawks have made an early splash in the offseason, acquiring forward Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Joe Veleno, the team announced Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Burakovsky, who turned 30 in February, is a seasoned NHL veteran. The 6-foot-3, 203-pound winger has spent the last three seasons with the Kraken. During the 2024-25 season, he recorded 37 points (10 goals, 27 assists) in 79 games.

Originally drafted 23rd overall by the Washington Capitals in 2013, Burakovsky brings a wealth of experience to Chicago. He has played 696 career games, splitting time with the Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, and Kraken. His career totals include 153 goals and 387 points. He also brings a winning pedigree, having won Stanley Cups with both Washington (2018) and Colorado (2022).

Joe Veleno, 25, was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline as part of the Petr Mrazek deal. In his brief stint with Chicago, he posted three goals and seven points in 18 games. The Blackhawks trading Veleno provides him with a fresh start in Seattle.

Burakovsky is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $27.5 million contract with an annual cap hit of $5.5 million. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season.

While some see the trade as a bit of a head-scratcher, the Blackhawks are adding a two-time Stanley Cup champion to their roster. Although Burakovsky's production with the Kraken was somewhat underwhelming, injuries hampered his performance in his first two seasons. He bounced back to play 79 games this past season, nearing the 40-point mark.

From the Kraken's perspective, trading Burakovsky frees up cap space. Acquiring Veleno, who will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, saves them just over $3 million in cap space this season.