Seattle Kraken Grades: Andre Burakovsky
In our next edition of the Kraken season grades from 2023-24, we look at forward Andre Burakovsky The 29-year-old has been a part of the Seattle Kraken organization since the 2022-23 season. Over the past two seasons, he has only been able to muster enough playing time to fill up half a season a piece, and in that time it has not been outstanding nor terrible.
Burakovsky, now on his third team since joining the NHL in 2014-15, is entering the middle of his five-year, $5.5 million AAV deal he signed when he joined the Kraken. For that kind of cash, it has not seemed that the Austrian winger has lived up to his expectations.
Season Recap
Last season was a doozy for most of this Kraken team, and Burakovsky is another example of that. In 49 games, he was invisible except for his seven goals and nine assists for 16 points. Breaking down his aforementioned contract, that is a little under $786,000 per goal last season. Certainly, that is not a great sign for someone that is supposed to be in the midst of his prime years.
As I mentioned earlier, last season's 49-game effort, is a mirror of his first season wearing the "S" on his chest, as he also appeared in 49 games in 2022-23. Of course, he did contribute a ton more during that magical season, as he was a big-part why they made the playoffs that season.
In 2023-24, he was extremely underwhelming, with little to no positives to report. With a potential breakout star joining his line, the expectation is that Burakovsky will get better with a fresh full-time NHL'er in Shane Wright on the third-line.
Andre Burakovsky. Andre Burakovsky. D. .
It was a bad year for Burakovsky, but it could be used to humble him. With many on this team struggling last season, I am sure the locker room and vibe in the arena last season was not one to easily shake. But, in 2024-25, things can change and this team could pull off a complete turnaround. If Burakovsky can pitch in a complete season, with his pace from 2022-23, he could be one of the top three skaters next season.
What would you grade Burakovsky in 2023-24?
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