The Washington Capitals have signed forward Andre Burakovsky to a three-year entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday morning. Burakovsky was selected with the No. 23 pick in the 2013 NHL Draft by Washington.
Andre Burakovsky signs entry-level contract with Capitals
The Washington Capitals have come to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with first-round selection Andre Burakovsky.
Bruce Bennett
Andre Burakovsky signing his contract with the #Caps pic.twitter.com/lPJml2rGP9
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) September 4, 2013
Burakovsky will be playing for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League during the 2013-14 season, according to the team’s press release.
Burakovsky and his camp initially made it known that the 18-year-old had no intentions of playing in the OHL this season because they preferred he remain with Malmo of the Allsvenskan Swedish League. Burakovsky was actually reportedly upset when the Otters selected him with the No. 5 overall pick of the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft in July.
Washington is believed to have lobbied for the prospect to play in North America, though, so that he can adjust to the smaller ice surface and he eventually softened his stance on the subject at USA Hockey’s Junior Evaluation Camp in August.
Burakovsky has since reported to Erie's training camp and played in the team's first preseason game alongside Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Connor Brown. Burakovsky registered two goals in his debut.
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