Capitals' Andre Burakovsky: Moves to LTIR

Burakovsky (hand) was placed on long-term injured reserve Tuesday.

Analysis:

While the third-year winger will be eligible to return March 9, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll return to game action then. Besides, coach Barry Trotz originally said he expected the Russian to return near the middle of the month at the earliest. The Capitals acquired star defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk in a trade with the Blues on Monday, and they called up Riley Barber and Jakub Vrana from the minors, indicating that Burakovsky's placement on LTIR was a strategic move to balance the team's salary cap.