Just a few hours into free agency, news is coming at a frenzied pace. Most recently, reports indicate the Seattle Kraken are signing left-shot winger Andre Burakovsky.
UPDATE: This signing was confirmed by the Seattle Kraken at 2:00 pm PT on July 13, 2022.
What is the deal?
Andre Burakovsky has reportedly agreed to sign a five-year deal with the Kraken worth $5.5 million AAV.
Player profile
Age: 27
Born:Feb. 9, 1995
Birthplace: Klagenfurt, Austria
Nationality:Sweden/Austria
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 201 lbs
Shoots: Left
Recent statistics
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | TP | PIM | Plus-minus |
| 2019-20 | Colorado Avalanche | 58 | 20 | 25 | 45 | 22 | 11 |
| 2020-21 | Colorado Avalanche | 53 | 19 | 25 | 44 | 10 | 4 |
| 2021-22 | Colorado Avalanche | 80 | 22 | 39 | 61 | 18 | 12 |
What do the analytics say?
I have written about Andre Burakovsky’s analytics profile in the past, particularly as a comparable for Jared McCann. The offensive contributions he will bring may be similar to McCann, though the defense is not quite as strong.
Where does he project with the Kraken?
The Kraken’s NHL left wing depth chart looks like this:
- Jared McCann
- Jaden Schwartz
- Brandon Tanev
If slotted on the left side, Burakovsky would fall somewhere in the top-nine, likely on the second line. It is also possible he could factor into the top-nine on the right side, his off wing, depending on other moves. Our own John Barr identified Andre Burakovsky as a fit. Burakovsky was my number one forward target after Johnny Gaudreau. This has been my view for a while.
Where do the Kraken go from here?
I identified five needs before the draft: (1) left wing, (2) right wing, (3) right defense, (4) backup goalie, (5) depth center. This checks box number 1. The Kraken have also reportedly addressed defense with right-shot blueliner Justin Schultz and backup goalie with Martin Jones.
More reading
Check out my post breaking down analytics comparables for Jared McCann and one of his most similar players, Andre Burakovsky.
I was nervously watching the draft tracker for this signing today. Whatever happens during the season, I’m glad that GMRF and the rest of the front office is addressing needs without risking the future. Let’s goooooo!