Seattle Kraken forward Andre Burakovsky is facing a significant setback in his second season with the team. The Swedish player is expected to be sidelined for a substantial period, with reports indicating that he will miss six to eight weeks of action due to an upper-body injury.
This injury occurred during a recent game against the New York Rangers, further complicating the Kraken's challenging start to the season.
During the early stages of the second period, Burakovsky found himself on the receiving end of a hard hit by the Rangers' captain, Jacob Trouba. The impact sent him crashing into the boards, landing on his right shoulder.
The immediate aftermath of the collision saw Burakovsky reaching for his right collarbone, a clear sign of pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, he was unable to continue, leaving the ice and not returning to the game. Trouba was subsequently penalized for roughing following the incident.
Burakovsky had recently regained his health after sitting out a substantial portion of the previous season due to a groin injury. His previous injury struggles limited him to just 49 games, causing him to miss out on the Kraken's inaugural playoff run.
In the early stages of this season, Burakovsky had contributed two points in the first five games, making his absence all the more challenging for the team.
Seattle Kraken face Uphill battle as Andre Burakovsky sidelined due to Injury
The 28-year-old Swede has been an integral part of the Kraken lineup since joining the team in the summer of 2022. He inked a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the franchise, coming off a successful stint with the Colorado Avalanche. He helped secure the Stanley Cup, marking his second NHL championship win. Burakovsky's first title came as a member of the 2018 Washington Capitals.
Andre Burakovsky's presence in the Kraken lineup has been crucial. His injury poses a significant challenge for the team, which has had a tough start to the season. Seattle's first playoff appearance in their franchise history was followed by a difficult start to the new season. They have lost five out of their first six games.
The absence of a key player like Andre Burakovsky will undoubtedly be felt, and the team will look to regain their momentum in the competitive NHL landscape.