Seattle Kraken forward Andre Burakovsky was left off of Team Sweden's 4 Nations Face-Off roster.

Seattle Kraken forward Andre Burakovsky was left off of Team Sweden's 4 Nations Face-Off roster.

Burakovsky was born in Klagenfurt Austria but represents Sweden at the national level and has done so at multiple events throughout his career. He's participated in the U-17s, U-18s, World Juniors, Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the World Championship, winning a pair of silver and bronze medals. 

Despite Burakovsky's strong resume with Sweden and his two Stanley Cups, his play this season has not been at the level he is accustomed to and the level of player who should be representing Sweden at a best-on-best tournament. 

Through 25 games this season, the 29-year-old has scored just one goal and nine points and was a healthy scratch last night in the Kraken's 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. 

The 6'2 winger is an offensively gifted playmaker who's performed very well in the playoffs throughout his career. However, long-term injuries in back-to-back seasons have taken a toll on Burakovsky recently, and he's struggled. 

His recent scratch was said to be a "reset" according to HC Dan Bylsma but is also a message that his play can and should be at a higher level. The Kraken are hoping the healthy scratch and rejecting from Sweden light a fire under Burakovsky and help him find his game. 

If he's able to play at the highest level, he can find himself on Sweden's Olympic roster in 2026.

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