Brent Burns, the veteran defenseman and Norris Trophy recipient, has signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche for the 2025-26 NHL season. The addition of Burns, long renowned for both his durability and offensive production, brings significant experience and skill to the Avalanche, aiming to enhance an already formidable defensive lineup.
Experienced Defenseman Joins Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club confirmed that it has reached an agreement with Brent Burns on a one-year deal, solidifying their blue line for the 2025-26 campaign. This signing aligns with the team‘s strategy to integrate accomplished players with proven leadership and consistency, building on their ongoing quest for Stanley Cup contention.
Brent Burns, 40 years old, arrives in Colorado following a productive season with the Carolina Hurricanes where he tallied 29 points, including 6 goals and 23 assists, over all 82 regular-season games in 2024-25. Averaging almost 21 minutes of ice time per game, he also contributed five points during 15 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. His streak of dressing for every regular-season game has now reached 11 consecutive seasons, extending to 925 games—making it the fourth-longest consecutive games played mark in league history.
Career Highlights and Consistent Performance
Originating from Barrie, Ontario, Burns has played 1,497 regular-season games across his career, accumulating 910 points, which ranks him eighth all-time among NHL defensemen. He has competed with the Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, and Minnesota Wild since his debut in 2003. Over 21 NHL seasons, Burns has achieved six seasons of 60 or more points, surpassing the 70-point mark three times, and reaching a career-best of 83 points during the 2018-19 season with San Jose.
Burns distinguished himself as an offensive defenseman by completing three different 20-goal campaigns, including a remarkable 29 goals in 2016-17. He has also led NHL defensemen in points twice (2016-17 and 2018-19), in assists once (2018-19), and in goals on two occasions (2015-16 and 2016-17), highlighting his importance among league blueliners.
Norris Trophy Triumph and Additional Honors
He claimed the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2016-17 after earning 76 points and averaging nearly 25 minutes per game. That campaign, Burns led all defensemen in points and goals, while topping the league with 320 shots on goal. His impact was further recognized by securing fourth place in Hart Memorial Trophy balloting and being a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award. Burns has twice finished as a Norris Trophy finalist beyond his win and has received multiple All-Star Team honors as well as participating in six NHL All-Star Games, spanning from 2010-11 to 2018-19.
His contributions extend to off-ice efforts, as evidenced by recognition in 2014-15 with the NHL Foundation Player Award for outstanding community service.
Postseason Achievements and Franchise Records
In playoff competition, Burns has accumulated 80 points over 135 games, boasting averages of over 24 minutes of ice time per game. He leads all active defensemen in goals scored in the postseason and is near the top in points, assists, power-play goals, and shots on goal for his position. Notably, during the 2015-16 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Burns achieved a point-per-game pace with 24 points in 24 games, leading defensemen in each major offensive category as the San Jose Sharks reached the franchise’s only Stanley Cup Final.
After 11 seasons in San Jose and a franchise-defining tenure, Burns remains the Sharks’ all-time leader in goals and assists among defensemen. He recorded a total of 594 points there and helped propel the team to the playoffs seven times.
Earlier Career and International Success
Drafted 20th overall in the 2003 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild, Burns began his NHL journey with seven seasons in Minnesota, where he put up 183 points over 453 games. He was later traded to the Sharks, where his career reached new offensive heights.
On the international stage, Burns claimed gold for Team Canada at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the 2015 IIHF World Championship, where he played alongside future Avalanche teammate Nathan MacKinnon. His international resume also includes two silver medals from the 2008 World Championship and the 2004 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Developmental Years in Junior and Minor Leagues
Burns’ hockey career also features time in developmental leagues. In the 2004-05 season, during the NHL lockout, he competed with the AHL’s Houston Aeros, posting 27 points, and earlier showcased his skills in the OHL with the Brampton Battalion, where he earned a First All-Rookie Team selection.
Looking Ahead to Impact with Avalanche
With Brent Burns joining the Avalanche on a one-year contract, the team gains a player with elite experience, durability, and a rare combination of offensive and defensive skills on the blue line. Bringing in a Norris Trophy winner who holds franchise and league records signals Colorado’s intent to reinforce its roster and continue its pursuit of championship success in the 2025-26 season. Burns’ leadership and veteran presence are likely to influence both the locker room and on-ice performance as the franchise sets its sights on making another deep playoff run.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many teeth is Brent Burns missing?
A. Brent Burns lost three teeth on his own when he was 16 years old. Later, he lost the rest while playing hockey.