Seattle Kraken forward Andre Burakovsky has been visiting the infirmary too often in recent years than he would like, and general manager Ron Francis is hoping his troubles are a thing of the past.
The 28-year-old ice hockey player wants to be a reliable part of the offense when he is in top shape. However, this has rarely been the case since the 2022 playoffs. Back then with the Colorado Avalanche, he stood out in the Stanley Cup Final despite a broken ankle. Then in February, during his first campaign with the Kraken, a torn groin derailed his plans; Before he fell in battle, he had accumulated 39 points in 49 games.
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Burakovsky also had 61 points in 82 games in the 2021-2022 season and if he keeps up that pace, Seattle could surprise again in the Pacific Division. Last year, the club not only made the playoffs, but also defeated the Avs in the first round and forced the Dallas Stars to seven games in the second round. According to the GM, if the winger had played, his formation might have continued.
“He was our top scorer when he had to take a break. “So we’re hoping it gets back to where it was yesterday,” Francis recently told the Seattle Times. It’s difficult to score at this time of year, but here’s a guy who, thanks to his arsenal of skills, can pull off an individual play and get you a goal, whether it’s on the power play or even the power play.”
“He has the ability to do that with his shooting and his talent. Did we miss him? Oh yeah.”
A winner
The former Washington Capitals is a two-time winner of the cup, having lifted the trophy for the first time in spring 2018. His current employer and the pool players who will select him this year have their fingers crossed that his production will increase to reach the peak of his reputation. In the American Northwest, top executives fired Daniel Sprong, Morgan Geekie and Ryan Donato, who accumulated 101 points last regular season.
Luckily for Francis, Matty Beniers should continue his progress while Jared McCann could pick up where he left off in 2022-2023. He set personal records with 40 goals and 70 points.
On Thursday, the Kraken offered forward Devin Shore, who played for the Edmonton Oilers last season, a one-year contract and $775,000.