Blackhawks’ Andre Burakovsky to return to lineup vs. Predators

The Chicago Blackhawks will get a little bit healthier on Friday, as winger Andre Burakovsky is set to return to the lineup for their game against the Nashville Predators.

Blashill said Burakovsky is definitely in and they'll go 11F/7D again with Moore and Dach as "probably" the fourth line (meaning Lafferty scratched).

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) November 28, 2025

Burakovsky has missed the last three games with an undisclosed injury, sustaining it during a 3-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken last Thursday. He was hurt after he found himself on the receiving end of a massive hit from Kraken defenseman Ryan Lindgren in the first period of the game.

Burakovsky spent most of the recovery time considered day-to-day, so he was always expected to be returning to the lineup sooner rather than later. The Blackhawks went 0-2-1 in his absence, and were outscored 14-6 in those three games.

Burakovsky will return to the lineup in his usual spot on the top line alongside Connor Bedard and Ryan Greene. The two players have been Burakovsky’s most common linemates this season, with the trio outscoring their opponents 7-3 and holding down play at a 50.26% 5v5 expected goal share in 89:36 of ice time this season.

Playing alongside Bedard has paid dividends for Burakovsky, as he has seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 18 games this season. That puts him on pace for 64 points, which would be a career high for him.

With Burakovsky returning to the lineup, that also means that Landon Slaggert will draw out of the lineup in his place. Slaggert has one goal in 10 games this season.

The Blackhawks will hope that Burakovsky’s return helps them snap a four-game losing streak when they host the Predators on Friday at 7 p.m. EST. Chicago currently sits in fifth in the Central Division with a 10-8-5 record, and are two points behind the Utah Mammoth for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.