He's had some success in the past, as he recorded 17 goals and 38 points in 2015-16 with Washington and followed up that campaign with 35 points the next year. The Swede also scored some key postseason goals in his time in the U.S. capital, including tallying twice in Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals en route to helping the club win its first Stanley Cup two weeks later.
"I think I've shown before what kind of player I am and what I can do," Burakovsky said during training camp. "Just the last couple years, the ice time has been a little low. It's tough to come out there in seven minutes and try and create something right away. You kind of have to be out there, have a rhythm to get going, and I think that is something I've been missing in the last two years. I think I've been playing really good games. Right now, I'm just excited to get out and get a real opportunity and show the league what I can do."
The Avalanche has given the 24-year-old that chance, and he's playing alongside other skilled players on a squad that is one of the youngest in the NHL. Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen all scored at least 30 goals last season, and each are in their early to mid-20's.
"This is a young team, but if you look at the previous years, this is definitely a team that is on its way to the top," Burakovsky said. "The guys in here are incredible hockey players… Just look at the numbers last year, this is a really fast team. On turnovers, they create something really quick and that is something I want to do too. I think it's a good fit for me."