Seattle Kraken forward Andre Burakovsky will be out of the lineup for the next 6-8 weeks due to an upper-body injury, Kraken General Manager Ron Francis confirmed Sunday afternoon. He did not disclose the specific nature of Burakovsky’s injury.
BREAKING: Kraken have lost forward Andre Burakovsky the next 6-8 weeks with an undisclosed upper body injury. https://t.co/dLYA7XFZqV #SEAKraken #NHL
— Geoff Baker (@GeoffBakerTIMES) October 22, 2023
Andre Burakovsky Out 6-8 Weeks
Burakovsky left the Krakens Saturday night game against the New York Rangers in the second period after a check from Jacob Trouba. He appeared to be holding the area of his right shoulder as he left the ice. He did not return to the game, and Kraken coach Dave Hakstol told media postgame that he would be fully evaluated Sunday morning.
This is not the first time Seattle will be without Burakovsky for an extended period. He missed the last two months of last season with an unrelated groin injury. The initial time estimate for his current recovery would see him potentially return in the second week of December. The Kraken will be playing six home games between the 7th and 16th of December, then depart for a four-game road trip.
What This Means for the Kraken
Burakovsky is the second key forward the Kraken have lost in the first two weeks of their season. Brandon Tanev sustained a lower-body injury in Seattle’s season-opening game and will be out for at least a month. The Kraken placed him on injured reserve on Friday.
Tye Kartye is the most likely player to fill Burakovsky’s spot on the third-line wing. Seattle recalled Devin Shore from their AHL affiliate following Tanev’s injury. He will probably play on the fourth line in the Krakens next game. Francis said he may call up another player from Coachella Valley, though he had not decided yet who that would be.
Main Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
