CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken on Saturday in exchange for fellow forward Joe Veleno.
Chicago also placed defenseman T.J. Brodie on unconditional waivers for purposes of buying out his contract.
Burakovsky, 30, had 10 goals and 27 assists in 79 games with Seattle last season. A Stanley Cup champion with Washington in 2018 and Colorado in 2022, he has 153 goals and 234 assists in 696 regular-season games over 11 NHL seasons.
The acquisition of Burakovsky gives Chicago some additional size and scoring, and the trade creates more flexibility for Seattle with the salary cap.
The 6-foot-3 Burakovsky was selected by Washington with the No. 23 pick in the 2013 draft. He signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with Seattle in July 2022.
Veleno, 25, was traded from Detroit to Chicago in March. He finished with eight goals and nine assists in 74 games last season.
The 6-1 Veleno has 38 goals and 43 assists in 306 career regular-season games. He has a cap hit of $2.275 million for next season in the final year of his contract.
Brodie, 35, agreed to a $7.5 million, two-year contract with Chicago last summer. He had two goals and eight assists in 54 games last season.
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
FILE - Detroit Red Wings center Joe Veleno (90) looks toward a game official during a face off in the first period on an NHL hockey game against the Arizona Coyotes, March 8, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
FILE - Seattle Kraken left wing Andre Burakovsky (95) skates against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Los Angeles, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo, File)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that he hasn't heard anything from the NFL that would prevent Stefon Diggs from playing in Sunday's regular-season finale as the receiver faces strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef.
The Patriots voiced their support for Diggs in a statement Tuesday after the allegations became public. Vrabel echoed that support.
“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously,” Vrabel said. "I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll.”
Diggs didn't speak with reporters Wednesday as he has typically done throughout the season. But he was in the locker room prior to practice and on the practice field with the team.
The NFL issued a statement saying Diggs is eligible to play.
News of the charges against Diggs emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money.
Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Meier described the allegations as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.
A court arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23.
Vrabel said he didn't anticipate the situation being a distraction for his team. The Patriots are currently 13-3 and have already wrapped up their first AFC East title since 2019. With a victory against Miami on Sunday and a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos against the Chargers, New England would also secure the conference's top seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye.
“I think these are allegations. ... Things that we have to handle,” Vrabel said. "Every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins.”
Diggs, 32, joined New England before this season after a trade from Houston. He has been a standout player for the Patriots, leading the team with 82 catches and 970 yards receiving.
AP reporters Mike Casey in Boston, and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania contributed.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) runs against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)
