Breaking News: Chicago Blackhawks Yet Again Part-Ways With Another Top
Blackhawks getting positive returns from forward Andre Burakovsky, who holds the puck well
The Hawks’ under-the-radar acquisition of Burakovsky this past summer looks like a wise gamble so far. He has three well-earned points in his first four games.
With the free-agent and trade markets not looking promising this past summer, the Blackhawks bet they could find the top-six forward upgrade they needed via a salary-dump deal.
While other teams battled for the few marquee players available, the Hawks acquired somebody off the radar in then-Kraken forward Andre Burakovsky, who used to be a marquee player. With a change of scenery, a clean bill of health and a sizable opportunity, they gambled on Burakovsky rediscovering his former self.
One week into the regular season, that gamble is looking wise. It’ll take more time to determine its success, but Burakovsky is off to a solid start in his 12th NHL season.
Burakovsky, 30, has two goals — including the game-winner Monday against the Mammoth — and one assist in his first four games. All three points were well-earned. And the Hawks have a 46.9% scoring-chance ratio during his five-on-five minutes, which ranks fourth among their forwards.
He has been effective as Connor Bedard’s right wing and as a flank man on the second power-play unit, which has outperformed the first unit so far.
‘‘He’s such a smart player,’’ Bedard said recently. ‘‘He’s someone who can make plays and slow the game down [or] speed it up.’’
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