Photo credit: HockeySverige.se
Washington Capitals prospect Andre Burakovsky managed to get drafted in the first round of two different drafts this week. The young winger, reportedly unable to reach an agreement on a deal with the Malmo Redhawks of second-tier Swedish league Allsvenskan, was selected fifth overall in a CHL Import Draft Wednesday by the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters where he may join fellow Swede, Blue Jackets goaltending prospect Oskar Dansk.
According to NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman, Burakovsky is open to playing in the CHL next season, but wants to discuss it both with his agent and the Capitals.
“I think either situation [Sweden or the CHL] would be good for him,” Capitals director of amateur scouting Ross Mahoney told Kimelman. “He’ll be a year older and have a chance to play more with the men, but also playing in major junior, playing against his peers, he’s going to get lots of ice time with the quality of athlete he is. Either way it’s a win/win situation for him.”
The Otters, who are followed closely by many junior hockey fans because of potential 2015 first overall draft pick, Connor McDavid, missed the playoffs for a second straight year last season. They also finished second to last in the OHL, which granted them the fifth overall pick they used on Burakovsky.
If Burakovsky indeed moves to the CHL, he will be playing in Erie, PA, just 365 miles from Washington, DC. RMNB road trip!
Dave Brown, Erie Otters’ Assisant GM of Hockey Operations
Thrilled to be adding Andre Burakovsky to our organization, a world class athlete. A gifted player that will entertain the @ErieOtters fans
— Dave Brown (@HDbrownie2000) July 3, 2013
Chris Peters, CBS’s Eye on Hockey Blog
If he comes over, Burakovsky and McDavid would give just about every junior defenseman night terrors. Those poor kids.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) July 3, 2013
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