The Colorado Avalanche will honor defenseman Brent Burns during a pregame, on-ice ceremony prior to facing the Carolina Hurricanes this Thursday, October 23, at Ball Arena for playing 1,500 NHL games.

Brent Burns history

The Canadian’s stellar career has spanned 22 seasons. He has contributed to the success of the Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and Hurricanes franchises, besides the Avalanche. He will become the 23rd player and eighth defenseman in NHL history, as well as the only active player, to reach the milestone. To date, he has recorded 261 goals, 653 assists and 914 points. Following the 2016–17 he won the Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the league’s top defenseman. Over the summer, Burns signed a one-year contract with the Avalanche. He is still chasing the goal of the Stanley Cup and hopes to achieve it this season with the Avalanche.

Nov 9, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns (8) before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

He joins seven other accomplished defensemen who have played over 1,500 games – Zdeno Chára (1,680), Chris Chelios (1,651), Scott Stevens (1,635), Larry Murphy (1,615), Ray Bourque (1,612), Nicklas Lidstrom (1,564) and Ryan Suter (1,526).

During a press conference this past Friday, he stated:

“It’s probably like raising kids a little bit. They say like every day feels like it’s 10 years, but 10 years goes in the blink of an eye too. I definitely feel like I just started, but also at the same time, it’s been a long grind too.”

Bednar

CENTENNIAL, CO – SEPTEMBER 21: Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar during training camp at the Family Sports Center in Centennial September 21, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Colorado’s head coach, Jared Bednar, said of the event:

“Eighth defenseman to ever do it. And if you look at the guys on that list, I remember looking at it, glancing at it. It’s pretty impressive, guys. Hall of Famers. It’s impressive to hit 1,000. Every game after that’s a bonus, I’m sure.” He continued, “Now he’s at 1,500 and it’s hard to do; they’re not easy minutes that he plays. He’s an older guy now, and to me, the streak he has of games he’s played in a row, it’s part of the reason why he’s hit 1,500. But to be able to play the way he does, as physically as he does, and to be able to stay healthy for as long as he has, it’s amazing.”

His fitness and good fortune have enabled the 40-year-old, the oldest player on an NHL opening night roster this season, to have suited up 927 consecutive times. The tough guy even played through facial injuries and serious nasal and sinus setbacks after being hit in the mouth by an aggressive Robin Lehner, the then Ottawa Senators goaltender.

For the Avalanche

Burns has become a key piece on the blue line for the Avalanche. He can play in any role whether it is on the penalty kill, power play or even strength. His veteran leadership has also taught many lessons to players like Josh Manson. Burns has played in all seven games for the Avalanche, tallying four assists for the team.

Fans need to know

For Avs’ fans who will attend tomorrow night’s game, the team asks that guests be in their seats by 7:15pm.