Strategic Addition for Ottawa
The Ottawa Senators added veteran forward Andre Burakovsky to their roster on Friday, acquiring the 31-year-old from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. The move, announced by Senators president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios, brings a two-time Stanley Cup champion into the fold as the team continues a series of aggressive roster adjustments.
Staios highlighted the need for veteran experience, noting that Burakovsky “adds skill and playmaking ability to our forward group.” With 12 seasons of NHL experience, including championship runs with the Washington Capitals in 2018 and the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, Burakovsky’s pedigree is expected to stabilize Ottawa’s offensive depth.
Context of the Trade
Burakovsky is entering the final year of a contract carrying a $5.5 million salary-cap hit. For the Chicago Blackhawks, the trade allows the organization to continue accumulating draft capital, as they look to build for the future. The Blackhawks, who acquired Burakovsky last summer, did not retain any salary in the transaction, effectively clearing the veteran’s contract from their books.
The forward struggled significantly during the latter half of the 2025-26 season, recording only 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 75 games. While his recent performance saw a dip in confidence and production, the Senators are banking on his ability to bounce back in a new environment. Burakovsky has amassed 420 points in 771 career regular-season games.
A Busy Offseason for the Senators
This acquisition is part of a broader overhaul for the Ottawa franchise. The team has been highly active in the trade market, recently moving captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers and acquiring forward William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks. Additionally, the Senators secured goaltender Sam Ersson and signed defenseman Jordan Spence to a four-year, $20-million extension, signaling a significant shift in the team’s competitive strategy ahead of the upcoming season.