The drama continues. Hours after the Capitals announced that they had sent Andre Burakovsky to AHL Hershey, the Swedish Hockey Federation held a phone interview in which they accused the NHL and the Capitals of “a breach of contract.” It was first reported by Hans Abrahamsson of the Swedish sports website Aftonbladet.
“We have an agreement with the NHL that states if the player plays in the AHL, he’s available for the World Junior Championship,” vice president Peter Forsberg (not that one) said, as translated by RMNB’s Magnus Cadelin. “They’re breaking the regulations and that we cannot accept.”
Burakovsky was included as part of Team Sweden’s preliminary roster for the WJC last week. Head coach Rikard Gronborg also said, “Andre has clearly stated to us that he wants to participate in the tournament.”
“I don’t understand the reason behind this,” an exasperated Forsberg continued. “First they say he’s an important player for the team, then they send him down to the AHL. I have emailed both the NHL’s central organization and the Washington Capitals to get an explanation.”
“I’m surprised and not very happy about it.”
Translation by Magnus Cadelin.
