DALLAS — Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns reached a remarkable milestone Saturday night, becoming only the second player in National Hockey League history to participate in 1,000 straight games during Colorado’s matchup with the Dallas Stars.
The 41-year-old veteran, known for his distinctive beard, received recognition from the Stars organization on the arena’s video display during the early moments of the contest. Both Dallas supporters and traveling Colorado fans applauded Burns for his extraordinary achievement.
The NHL record for consecutive regular-season appearances belongs to Phil Kessel, who participated in 1,064 straight contests spanning from November 3, 2009, through April 13, 2023. Kessel accomplished this feat while suiting up for Toronto, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Vegas.
Burns’ incredible durability streak began on November 21, 2013, while he was playing for San Jose. Throughout his career, he has also worn uniforms for Minnesota and Carolina before joining Colorado this season.
In his inaugural campaign with the Avalanche, Burns has netted 11 goals, making him and Hockey Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom the only defensemen in NHL history to record double-digit goal totals at age 40 or beyond.
Saturday’s contest marked Burns’ 1,572nd career regular-season appearance. He entered the game having accumulated 941 career points, consisting of 272 goals and 669 assists. The veteran blueliner spent 11 of his 22 NHL seasons with the San Jose Sharks.
