Brent Burns signs with Avalanche, joining Colorado on a one-year deal for the 2025–26 NHL season, a move that has sparked strong reactions from the hockey community. The veteran defenseman’s addition is viewed as a bold step by the Avalanche, who are aiming to strengthen their blue line and pursue another Stanley Cup bid.
Colorado Secures Defense With Experienced Veteran
The Colorado Avalanche officially announced Brent Burns’ signing to a one-year, $1 million contract effective for the upcoming NHL season. The transaction brings the team a seasoned defender known for his on-ice consistency, with Burns set to enter his 22nd season in the league. Notably, Burns played all 82 games last season with the Carolina Hurricanes, maintaining an average of nearly 21 minutes of ice time per game and contributing 29 points, helping Carolina reach the postseason’s second round.
Selected 20th overall in the 2003 NHL Draft, Burns has demonstrated remarkable durability, suiting up for every regular season game in each of the last four years. Across 1,497 career games, he has collected 910 points, earning recognition as the league’s top defenseman with a Norris Trophy and accumulating six All-Star appearances. The Avalanche, seeking to add depth and leadership in their defense corps, anticipate Burns will bolster their lower pairings and provide invaluable insight in the locker room. Jamie Sabau of Imagn Images recently captured Burns warming up prior to a Hurricanes game, underscoring his continued presence and reputation in the league.
Social Media Explodes as Fans React to Burns’ Move
The surprise signing quickly turned into a trending topic among hockey fans, especially on Reddit, where posts ranged from shock to amusement. One fan’s immediate reaction captured the prevailing mood:
“Where the actual (expletive) did this signing come from lmfaoooo,”
—Fan
Another account echoed the sentiment, adding,
“God this was out of nowhere lol,”
—Fan
Observations turned humorous, with a user joking,
“Burns looks very confused in the picture… wait, I’m Brent Burns and I don’t remember that,”
—Fan
The announcement also sparked nostalgia about Burns’ past with the San Jose Sharks, as one user remarked,
“This man is always a Shark to me,”
—Fan
Hurricanes fans and others acknowledged his experience, noting the potential locker room impact.
“Legend of the locker room and hopefully will be the same for the Avs,”
—Fan
Fans pointed out Burns’ impressive streak:
“He’s on a 911 Ironman streak at 40. Absolute unit,”
—Fan
There were lighthearted takes on his rugged appearance:
“Fitting he goes to Colorado when he looks like a sasquatch,”
—Fan
Some highlighted the significance of pursuing a Stanley Cup with Colorado:
“A defenseman that has long waited to have his name on the Cup joining the Avs? That’s Joe Sakic’s music,”
—Fan
Avalanche Move Adds Intrigue Ahead of Next NHL Season
With the Florida Panthers no longer considered front-runners in the early odds for the 2026 Stanley Cup, the Colorado Avalanche’s recruitment of Brent Burns stands out as a calculated move to remain contenders. Joe Sakic’s management decisions, including securing a veteran like Burns, reflect the organization’s commitment to building a deep, experienced roster. This signing comes at a time when other teams, such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, had also expressed interest in top-level defensive talent, making Colorado’s successful acquisition particularly notable.
As the NHL’s offseason unfolds, attention will be on how Brent Burns’ experience, durability, and locker room presence contribute to the Avalanche’s forthcoming campaign. Fans, analysts, and the broader hockey world will be eager to see if this addition helps Colorado achieve another championship run in an ever-competitive league.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many teeth is Brent Burns missing?
A. Brent Burns lost three of his teeth naturally when he was 16 years old. Later, he lost the rest of his teeth during hockey games.