When the Ottawa Senators acquired Andre Burakovsky from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2027 sixth-round pick, there really wasn't much to dislike about the move. Steve Staios added a two-time Stanley Cup champion who can give Travis Green another option in the middle six without giving up anything of real value.
Burakovsky is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $5.5 million cap hit. That gives Ottawa some flexibility heading into the season. If he finds his scoring touch again and becomes an important part of the lineup, the Senators have a veteran forward who can help them in a playoff push. If things don't work out, Staios has the option of moving him at the trade deadline.
Burakovsky could become a trade asset for the Senators
A player with Burakovsky's experience should have some interest around the league if he is playing well by March. He has won Stanley Cups with the Washington Capitals and Colorado Avalanche and has played in 93 playoff games. A contender looking for some secondary scoring could easily view him as a useful rental.
Ottawa could then turn that sixth-round pick into a much better asset simply by moving Burakovsky at the deadline. And again, if things take a turn for Ottawa and their season starts to slip. It wouldn’t be overly shocking to see Staios part with Burakovsky to bring back some draft capital.
There is also the possibility that Burakovsky sticks around and earns himself a bigger role. Ottawa doesn't have to make a decision on that right now, and that's probably the best part of the trade.
For a sixth-round pick, the Senators have given themselves several different options. Burakovsky could provide some scoring, help the team in the playoffs and potentially even earn himself another contract with the club. Or he could become a deadline asset if Ottawa and be dealt to a contender and be given another chance to win a Stanley Cup.
Which just goes to show that buying a skilled veteran for cheap isn't always a bad idea.
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