

(AP/The Canadian Press)

The rapid ascension of Andre Burakovsky continued Tuesday, when the rookie learned he would center the Washington Capitals’ top line beside Alex Ovechkin. They had only skated together for less than nine minutes over eight games this regular season. Now, the teenager who began learning a new position in July will pass pucks to one of the NHL’s deadliest scorers.

“I think sometimes you have to change the lineups to get everyone going,” Burakovsky said later, following his first practice in the new spot. “I think the line looks really good right now.”

Burakovsky added to his strong debut season Sunday, notching an assist during Washington’s 4-2 loss in Vancouver, so Trotz rewarded him with a promotion. Through eight games, Burakovsky’s seven points tie for second among NHL rookies and his 3.32 points-per-60 minutes ranks 21st among forwards with at least 90 on-ice minutes.

In many ways, though, he remains a youngster, still enjoying the fruits of his success, still residing in the hotel across the street from the practice facility. This week, Burakovsky planned to move in with fellow Swede Nicklas Backstrom, the skater with whom he traded spots on the top line.

“He’s a very smart player,” Backstrom said. “He can control the puck too. He’s not scared of making plays. That’s what makes him really good I think. He has a really good shot too. I’ve never seen him before actually, before this training camp really. He’s been surprising me a lot, and I think a lot of other guys as well.”

Now, Burakovsky encounters the chance to prove himself in a higher-profile spot, thrust into the new role after Trotz juggled all four lines after Vancouver. In splitting up Backstrom and Ovechkin, Trotz aimed to balance his groups, though Burakovsky might face tougher competition simply by virtue of playing beside Ovechkin. According to data from War-On-Ice and Behind The Net, Burakovsky and former linemate Marcus Johansson have received fairly sheltered minutes with high rates of offensive zone start percentages, often facing lesser opposing lines, while Backstrom and Ovechkin have drawn the best defensive pairings opponents can muster.

“He’s played a pretty consistent game for a young man,” Trotz said. “I think he’s a sponge. He’s a guy that’s gotten better … He’s forcing himself…you can say what you want, we’re a team, but in sport you want to move up the ladder if you can, and you do that with good play.”

Still, Burakovsky saw the change not as a vote of confidence, but a simple byproduct of such tinkering.

“I’m just trying to do my job out there and do my best,” he said. “Of course it’s not perfect. I’m not playing perfect out there but I’ve been feeling pretty good. I still have some stuff to work on.”

But as his rookie season chugs along, Burakovsky has continued to move up the depth chart, this latest promotion indicative of how Trotz and the staff view his potential.

“I think it’s getting…I can’t say easier because it’s the hardest league in the world, but I feel better every single day I’m out there,” he said. “I feel more comfortable with all the guys, I’m starting to get closer to my teammates here. I think it’s going better, going in the right direction.”