The Colorado Avalanche have signed veteran defenseman Brent Burns to a one-year contract, per a team release. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman is reporting the deal comes with a $1MM base, with games-played bonuses that could secure him another $3MM.
Burns, 40, comes to the Avalanche after registering 29 points in 82 games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. While his offensive numbers dipped considerably in 2024-25, he still logged a hefty 20:57 of ice time per game on the season. He added five points in 15 playoff contests.
Burns’ 21-year career has been filled with accolades, including six all-star appearances and the 2016-17 Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman. He has produced 910 career points over 1,497 games and has added 80 points in 135 career playoff contests. And despite his age, Burns has skated in 925 consecutive games, the fourth-longest mark in league history.
Burns joins a Colorado blue line that has openings on the second or third pairing, giving him a chance to compete for a regular role. While Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Samuel Girard, and Josh Manson are locked into spots, the depth thins out beyond that, with Sam Malinski the only other defenseman on a one-way contract.
After an illustrious 11-year run with the Sharks, Burns was traded to the Hurricanes in July of 2022, and produced 133 points in 246 games with Carolina. His move to Colorado draws parallels to that of Hall of Fame defenseman Raymond Bourque, who was traded to the Avalanche during the 2000-01 season at the age of 39 and went on to win his long-awaited Stanley Cup.
Interesting
Wow i kinda love this for both 👌
He’s lost a step. Actually multiple steps. But he’d be a good 3rd pairing guy. Was tough watching him skate last year here in Raleigh.
Ken Jong: “I’ll allow it” iykyk
Did you say ‘S’?
Señor Chang!
Heard he’s playing wing
Definitely a 3rd line pairing to fill a gap for Colorado.
“His move to Colorado draws parallels to that of Hall of Fame defenseman Raymond Bourque”
Does it, though?
Agreed, what a strange thing to write lol this is nothing like Ray Bourque
Thought Burns would retire as a Hurricane.
Now we officially know what you “thought” means nothing.
We have our new official jackass here at PHR!
I’m not so sure that crowning yourself something makes it official.
With all due respect he will remembered primarily as a San Jose Shark. When the end comes I hope he can do one of those one day contracts and retire officially as a Shark.
No matter how many times you change your user name, you’ll always be the same jackass.
I’m sure and the other “Bears” in your G lifestyle find you cute. Me, not so much
You’ll to change your name again to get around the mute feature. May as well go with jackass next time.
Wrong about Burns, and wrong about me being Wilf. Your thoughts aren’t as hot as you think they are.
As long as he stays behind Makar and Manson on the depth chart, this should be a good signing.
You’re so wise
Thanks dude. Thats really nice of you.
Yep. And it’s happening.. Colorado begins to age and the window closes.