Sat Jun 21 14:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Blackhawks Acquire Winger Burakovsky from Kraken in Exchange for Veleno

**June 21, 2025 at 9:12 am CDT | by Brian La Rose**

**CHICAGO, IL** – The Chicago Blackhawks and Seattle Kraken have announced a trade today, swapping underperforming forwards in a one-for-one deal. The Blackhawks will acquire winger Andre Burakovsky from the Kraken in exchange for center Joe Veleno.

Burakovsky, 30, is looking for a fresh start in Chicago after a mixed tenure in Seattle. The Swedish winger initially signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Kraken in 2022, but injuries and inconsistent play hampered his performance. While he rebounded slightly this past season, notching 10 goals and 27 assists in 79 games, it wasn’t the level of production the Kraken had hoped for. Blackhawks hopes are that he could become a solid veteran presence to work with their young core, especially Connor Bedard.

“We’re excited to add Andre to our forward group,” said a Blackhawks team spokesperson. “His experience and potential offensive upside are qualities we believe will benefit our team.”

Veleno, 25, is on the move again after being traded to Chicago at the trade deadline from Detroit for goaltender Petr Mrazek. In 74 games this past season between the two teams, he recorded eight goals and nine assists. The Kraken are hoping Veleno can add depth to their center position, which has become crowded with talent.

The trade signals a potential shift in strategy for both teams. The Blackhawks, who added veterans Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen last offseason, continue to bolster their forward ranks with proven talent. For the Kraken, the trade appears to be motivated by a need to clear cap space. With a crowded center position and the recent acquisition of winger Mason Marchment, Seattle could be looking to make further roster adjustments, potentially through a Veleno buyout.

Veleno has one year remaining on his contract at a $2.275 million cap hit, while Burakovsky has two years remaining at $5.5 million per year.

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