With just 11 goals in six games, Seattle’s offense has had a difficult start to the season. On that front, things are going to get even more difficult as winger Andre Burakovsky (injury to his upper body) is expected to miss the next six to eight weeks, according to Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times.
He only played 6:05 in the Rangers game on Saturday night before leaving due to an injury sustained from a hit by Jacob Trouba. The 28-year-old had 39 points in 49 games the previous season, second only to Jared McCann on the Kraken in points per game. However, a torn groin prevented him from playing in the postseason, meaning he missed the final stretch of the season.
Burakovsky, like many players in Seattle, had struggled this season, recording just two assists in his first six games. But losing a top-six forward is never good for a team, particularly one that has had such a difficult time producing early on.
General Manager Ron Francis stated that while Burakovsky’s spot on the roster may not be taken immediately, a recall is probably coming at some point. Devin Shore ought to enter the lineup, at least for the time being.
With 19 healthy skaters and one extra defenseman, Seattle is set to embark on a four-game road trip starting on Tuesday. As such, a call-up from the AHL Coachella Valley is not necessarily required immediately. Francis stated that they might wait to see if they need to add a replacement for Burakovsky to the roster before making that decision.
Seattle has only won once this season, and since they won’t have one of their better wingers, Burakovsky, until sometime in December, their task of getting back on track just got harder.
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