Andre Burakovsky sidelined, to miss Ottawa Senators’ season opener

The Ottawa Senators will be missing a key off-season addition when they open their regular season schedule. Forward Andre Burakovsky is dealing with an upper-body injury and is not expected to be in the lineup for Saturday’s season opener in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.

Injury occurred late in pre-season vs. Canadiens

Head coach Travis Green told reporters Wednesday that Burakovsky is unlikely to dress, and the veteran has not skated since leaving his final pre-season appearance. The injury occurred Monday against the Montreal Canadiens, when Burakovsky was cross‑checked from behind and went head‑first into the boards. He left the game following the incident and did not return.

Before the setback, the 31-year-old winger had been productive in limited pre-season action, recording three assists over two exhibition games. His absence will force the Senators to adjust their forward combinations just days before their first meaningful contest of the year.

Recent trade pickup already sidelined

Burakovsky joined Ottawa in June in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, with the Senators sending a 2027 sixth-round pick the other way. The move was aimed at adding proven scoring depth and playoff experience to a group trying to push forward in the Eastern Conference. For now, there is no public timetable for his return, with the team only confirming the upper-body nature of the injury.

Last season with Chicago, Burakovsky played 75 games, scoring 11 goals and posting 33 points. Over 771 career regular-season contests with the Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, Colorado Avalanche and Washington Capitals, the Swedish forward has collected 164 goals and 420 points.

The Senators are scheduled to open their 2026-27 campaign on October 3 against the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Until Burakovsky is able to rejoin the lineup, Ottawa will need other wingers to shoulder more of the offensive load to avoid falling behind early in the standings.