The Seattle Kraken have acquired Joe Veleno from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Andre Burakovsky. 

Veleno, a 25-year-old center, scored three goals and seven points in 18 games with the Blackhawks last season. Prior to his lone half-season with Chicago, Veleno was a first-round draft pick (30th overall) to the Detroit Red Wings, where he played 288 games, scoring 35 goals and 74 points. 

Veleno enters the final year of a two-year contract he signed with the Red Wings, which pays him $2.275M annually. He'll be a restricted free agent following the conclusion of the season. 

Burakovsky, the Swedish winger heading the other way, needed a change of scenery. The 2024-25 season wasn't too kind to the 30-year-old, recording just 10 goals and 37 points in 79 games. Burakovsky's first two seasons were hampered by injuries, forcing him to play just 49 games each year. His first season with the Kraken was strong, but since then, he's been on a steady decline. 

Getting out of the last year of his $5.5M cap hit and acquiring a player that could be flipped at the deadline is smart business from the Kraken. Veleno will also require less ice time to be effective, which should free up additional ice time for the young crop of Kraken forwards. 

“Andre was a valuable player for our organization during the three years he was here, and we wish him and his family the best of luck in Chicago," Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said of Burakovsky. "In return, we've acquired a young player with experience while also increasing our salary cap flexibility moving forward."

Acquiring Veleno is a low-risk move which could benefit the Kraken in the future. 

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