What Happened
Ottawa Senators forward Andre Burakovsky is not expected to play in Saturday's season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs because of an upper-body injury, head coach Travis Green told reporters Wednesday. Burakovsky was hurt in Monday's preseason finale when he took a cross-check from behind against the Montreal Canadiens and fell head-first into the boards. He left the game and has not skated since.
Key Details
- Burakovsky is not expected to play Saturday, per head coach Travis Green.
- He was injured Monday against Montreal after a cross-check from behind sent him head-first into the boards.
- He exited that game and has not skated since.
- He had three assists in two preseason games.
- Ottawa acquired him from Chicago in June for a 2027 sixth-round pick.
- Ottawa opens Oct. 3 against Toronto.
What It Means
Burakovsky was one of Ottawa's notable offseason additions, so his absence removes a veteran top-six option from the lineup to start the year. The 31-year-old winger had 11 goals and 33 points in 75 games with Chicago last season and has 164 goals and 420 points in 771 career regular-season games.
What's Next
The Senators open the season Oct. 3 against Toronto. Burakovsky's status beyond the opener has not been announced; he has not skated since leaving Monday's preseason game.