Brent Burns

Early Life and Amateur Career

Brent Burns was born on March 9, 1985, and grew up playing minor hockey in Ontario. He spent time with the Barrie Icemen and Ajax Knights in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association before moving to the Metropolitan Toronto Hockey League, now the Greater Toronto Hockey League, where he played for the North York Canadiens. During his time with the Canadiens, he was teammates with future NHL players Anthony Stewart and Geoff Platt. Burns then advanced to major junior hockey, playing the 2002-03 season as a right winger for the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League.

In his lone OHL season, he demonstrated his playoff prowess by leading the Battalion in postseason scoring with five goals and six assists across 11 games. His performance earned him recognition as the runner-up for the OHL's Most Improved Player award as voted by the league's coaches, which highlighted his rapid development and caught the attention of NHL scouts. His combination of size, skating ability, and offensive instinct made him a highly regarded prospect ahead of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. The Minnesota Wild selected Burns in the first round, 20th overall, with the intention of developing his raw talents.

Professional Career

Brent Burns's professional career is defined by exceptional longevity, a successful mid-career position change, and a consistent offensive output from the blueline. Upon turning professional with the Minnesota Wild in 2003, head coach Jacques Lemaire made the important decision to convert the drafted right winger into a defenceman. Burns made his NHL debut on October 8, 2003, against the Chicago Blackhawks and scored his first NHL goal in his third game against the San Jose Sharks. He played 36 games in that rookie 2003-04 season, displaying flashes of the puck-rushing ability that would become his trademark.

The 2004-05 NHL lockout season was spent with the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League, where he fully adapted to his new position and earned a permanent spot on the Wild roster for the 2005-06 campaign. Burns developed into a top defenceman for Minnesota, setting a career-high with 15 goals and 43 points in the 2007-08 season, which led to a four-year contract extension. His time in Minnesota was also marked by injury challenges, including concussions that caused him to miss significant portions of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. On June 24, 2011, the Wild traded Burns and a 2012 second-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle, and a 2011 first-round pick.

Tenure with the San Jose Sharks

Shortly after the trade, on August 1, 2011, Burns signed a five-year, $28.8 million contract extension with San Jose. The Sharks initially utilized Burns on defence, but during the shortened 2012-13 season, they moved him to forward, where he scored 20 points in 23 games. He began the 2013-14 season as a forward, missing 13 games due to a dental issue, but returned to score his first career hat trick against the St. Louis Blues on November 29, 2013. Prior to the 2014-15 season, the organization moved him back to defence permanently, a decision that unlocked his full potential.

That season, he scored 17 goals and 60 points, tying for second among NHL defencemen in scoring and winning the NHL Foundation Player Award for his community work. Burns had a career-defining season in 2015-16, recording 27 goals and 75 points, followed by 24 points in 24 playoff games to help lead the Sharks to their first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history. On November 22, 2016, he signed an eight-year, $64 million contract extension. The following season, his outstanding play was recognized with the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's best defenceman, and he was also nominated for the Ted Lindsay Award.

Later Career and Iron Man Streak

He played his 1,000th career NHL game on December 27, 2018, in a win over the Anaheim Ducks. On July 13, 2022, the Sharks traded Burns and Lane Pederson to the Carolina Hurricanes for Steven Lorentz, Eetu Mäkiniemi, and a 2023 third-round pick. He played his 1,300th NHL game with Carolina on January 29, 2023. As a free agent, Burns signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche on July 3, 2025.

His tenure with Colorado has been highlighted by major durability milestones. He played his 1,500th NHL game on October 11, 2025, becoming the 23rd player to reach that mark. On January 31, 2026, he scored his 270th career goal, tying Bobby Orr for eighth all-time among defencemen. Most notably, Burns achieved a historic consecutive games played streak, playing his 990th consecutive regular season game on March 14, 2026, to move into second place all-time behind Phil Kessel. He reached the monumental milestone of 1,000 consecutive games played on April 4, 2026, in a 2-0 Avalanche win over the Dallas Stars, becoming only the second player in NHL history to do so.

International Play

Brent Burns has been a key contributor for Hockey Canada in several IIHF World Championship tournaments. His first major international success came at the 2008 World Championship in Quebec City, where he was named the tournament's Best Defenceman and helped Canada win a silver medal on home ice. Two years later, at the 2010 World Championship in Germany, he led all Canadian defencemen in average ice time at 18 minutes and 29 seconds per game, though the team finished in a disappointing seventh place. That same year, he participated in Canada's summer Olympic camp but was not selected for the final roster that won gold at the Vancouver Games.

Burns returned to the World Championship stage in 2015, playing a central role on a dominant Canadian team that won the gold medal in Prague. His performance was again recognized with selection to the tournament All-Star Team and he was once more named the Best Defenceman of the competition. These international accolades complement his NHL achievements and highlight his status as one of the premier defencemen of his generation on the global stage. His two Best Defenceman awards at the World Championships are a rare accomplishment that few players have matched.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Brent Burns married Susan Holder in July 2009, and the couple has three children. They split their off-seasons between Barrie, Ontario, and Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Burns is famously an avid animal enthusiast, a passion that has become a defining part of his public persona. His suburban Saint Paul home is nicknamed "Burns Zoo" due to his extensive collection of dogs, cats, and dozens of reptiles, primarily snakes.

This unique hobby has been featured in segments on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada with Elliotte Friedman and on the After Hours program. For his 1,000th NHL game, his San Jose Sharks teammates gifted him two antelopes for his collection. He also owns and operates a ranch in Texas where he raises exotic animals including wildebeest and fallow deer. Beyond his menagerie, Burns has made forays into acting, appearing in a two-episode role during the sixth season of the television series Vikings, where he played an ambitious raider named Skane.

His philanthropic efforts are substantial and focused. Starting in the 2009-10 season, he purchased a suite at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota to host members of the military and their families at Wild home games, a commitment he maintained even after being traded from the team. This charitable work was formally recognized by the NHL when he was awarded the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2014 for his outstanding community service. His support for military families remains one of his most public and enduring charitable contributions.

Career Statistics and Milestones

Brent Burns's career statistics reflect his durability, consistent scoring, and unique journey from forward to elite defenceman. His playoff statistics are equally impressive, highlighted by his 24-point performance during the Sharks' 2016 run to the Stanley Cup Final. The following table outlines his regular season scoring totals by team over his lengthy career. His career is marked by several significant numerical milestones that highlight his longevity and productivity. He is one of only 23 players to have played 1,500 NHL games and ranks eighth all-time in goals by a defenceman, tied with the legendary Bobby Orr. The most extraordinary statistical achievement of his career is his iron man streak. Burns's consecutive games played streak, which reached 1,000 games during the 2025-26 season, is the second-longest in NHL history, trailing only Phil Kessel. This feat demonstrates his physical resilience, consistent performance, and dedication to being in the lineup every night. Following the 2025-26 season, on June 26, 2026, he signed a one-year extension to return to Colorado for his 23rd NHL season.

Honours and Awards

Throughout his long career, Brent Burns has received significant individual recognition for his on-ice excellence and off-ice contributions. His trophy case includes the NHL's top honour for a defenceman and awards for his character and community service. His international play has also been consistently praised with all-star and best defenceman selections at the world championships. These awards collectively reflect a career of high achievement across multiple areas. In addition to these formal awards, Burns has been a finalist for other major honours, including a nomination for the Ted Lindsay Award in 2017 as the league's most outstanding player as voted by his peers.

• James Norris Memorial Trophy (2017), Awarded to the NHL's best defenceman.
• NHL Foundation Player Award (2014), For outstanding charitable and community work.
• NHL First All-Star Team (2017), As one of the two top defencemen in the league.
• IIHF World Championship Best Defenceman (2008, 2015), Named the top blueliner at the tournament.
• IIHF World Championship All-Star Team (2015), Selected as one of the tournament's best players.
• IIHF World Championship Gold Medal (2015), Won with Team Canada.
• IIHF World Championship Silver Medal (2008), Won with Team Canada.

Brent Burns won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman following the 2016-17 season. He was also nominated for the Ted Lindsay Award that same year. At the 2008 and 2015 World Championships, he was named the best defenceman, winning a silver medal in 2008 and a gold in 2015. In 2014, he won the NHL Foundation Player Award for his outstanding charitable and community work.

Questions about Brent Burns

Did Brent Burns ever play as a forward in the NHL?

Yes, Brent Burns has played as a forward on several occasions during his NHL career. Although drafted as a right winger, he was converted to defence upon turning professional. However, the San Jose Sharks moved him to forward during the shortened 2012-13 season and for the beginning of the 2013-14 season, where he found considerable success, scoring 20 points in 23 games in 2013 and recording his first career hat trick as a forward on November 29, 2013. He was permanently returned to defence prior to the 2014-15 season.

What is Brent Burns known for off the ice?

Off the ice, Brent Burns is widely known for his passion for exotic animals. His home in Minnesota is nicknamed "Burns Zoo" due to his collection of dogs, cats, and dozens of reptiles, mainly snakes. He also owns a ranch in Texas where he raises animals like wildebeest and fallow deer. He is also recognized for his philanthropy, particularly his longstanding initiative of purchasing a suite for military members and their families to attend NHL games, which earned him the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2014.

Where is Brent Burns from in Canada?

Brent Burns is from Barrie, Ontario. He was born there on March 9, 1985, and played his minor hockey for local teams like the Barrie Icemen in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. He continues to spend his summers in Barrie, maintaining strong ties to his hometown. His early development in the Ontario hockey system led him to the Brampton Battalion of the OHL before he was drafted into the NHL.

What team does Brent Burns play for now?

Brent Burns plays for the Colorado Avalanche. He signed a one year contract with the Avalanche on July 3, 2025. On June 26, 2026, he signed a one year extension to return for his 23rd NHL season. He made his Avalanche debut in the 2025 26 season and played his 1500th career game with the team on October 11, 2025. This followed his trade from the San Jose Sharks to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022 and his subsequent free agency move to Colorado.

How many consecutive games has Brent Burns played?

Brent Burns has played 1,000 consecutive regular season games. He achieved this iron man milestone on April 4, 2026, in a 2 0 win for the Colorado Avalanche against the Dallas Stars. This streak made him the second player in NHL history to reach 1,000 consecutive games, placing him behind only Phil Kessel. His streak began years earlier and he moved into second place all time on March 14, 2026, when he played his 990th consecutive game.

When did Brent Burns win the Norris Trophy?

Brent Burns won the James Norris Memorial Trophy at the end of the 2016 17 NHL season. This award is given annually to the league's best defenceman. The previous season, in 2015 16, he had finished third in the voting for the same trophy. His Norris Trophy win capped a period of elite offensive production from the defence position, including a 75 point season in 2015 16 and a strong playoff performance that helped the San Jose Sharks reach the 2016 Stanley Cup Final.

Sources and further reading

• Brent Burns (Wikipedia)
• Burns debuts new look ahead of 23rd NHL season (nhl.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-22.