Prospect Update: Austin Burnevik

By Thomas Harrington

The Anaheim Ducks drafted forward Austin Burnevik in the sixth round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, 182nd overall. He played his sophomore season at St. Cloud State University in the NCAA.

After a good freshman season, where he scored 13 goals and 28 points in 35 games, Burnevik took a big step forward this past season, scoring 20 goals and 38 points in 36 games. He led St. Cloud State in goals and finished second in assists and points. Burnevik started the season with a three-game goal scoring streak, and a nine-game point streak. He also had a five-game goal scoring streak where he scored seven total goals. While Burnevik never quite managed to hit those lofty heights later in the season, he never went more than three games without a point, and was without a point for only 11 games all season. In the entire NCAA, Burnevik finished tied for 29th in points and tied for 13th in goals.

I had two expectations for Burnevik last summer, and he met both. First, I wanted him to be one of St. Cloud State’s leading scorers. Leading the team in goals and being second in assists and points certainly qualifies. Second, I wanted him to set career highs in goals, assists, and points. I even thought if he could get close to 20 goals and 30 points, it would be a successful season for him. Well, he hit 20 goals and nearly hit 40 points, while setting career highs in goals, assists, and points.

Burnevik transferred schools over the summer and will be playing at the University of Minnesota this coming season, where he’ll be joined by fellow Anaheim prospect Tarin Smith. After a breakout sophomore campaign, more will be expected out of Burnevik in his junior season. First, even though he’ll be on a new team, I expect him to play in most of his team’s games. Second, I expect him to finish top three in goals, assists, and points for Minnesota. Finally, if his season ends early enough and San Diego is still playing hockey, I’d like to see him sign an ATO and make his professional debut with the Gulls.

Burnevik is still a few years away from the NHL. He’s got another one to two years of college hockey ahead of him. He’ll then spend some time in the AHL after that, and how quickly he adjusts to the pro game will determine how soon he makes it to Anaheim. It’s possible we could see Burnevik making his NHL debut in the 2028-2029 season, but I think the following year is more likely.

Burnevik is currently unsigned and Anaheim controls his rights until August 2028. As long as he doesn’t regress over the next two seasons, I expect the Ducks to sign Burnevik to a standard entry-level deal. He’s improved over his first two seasons of college hockey, and as long as he doesn’t stagnate or regress, I would be very surprised if Anaheim lets him leave as a free agent.

The next prospect update will be on forward Ethan Procyszyn.

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Prospect Update: Noah Read

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Prospect Update: Judd Caulfield

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August 30th, 2026