A facial injury from an errant stick back in October 2013 knocked Brent Burns out of the San Jose lineup, costing the defenseman several teeth and multiple games on the sidelines.
Ever since his comeback on November 21, 2013, Burns has appeared in every single regular-season contest. The 41-year-old Colorado Avalanche veteran will reach a milestone 1,000 consecutive games when his team faces Dallas on Saturday.
The veteran defenseman has weathered countless injuries and physical punishment that typically sideline players for extended periods. Colorado head coach Jared Bednar looks forward to eventually learning about all the ailments Burns has battled through during his incredible streak.
“He plays through them like it’s not a big deal,” Bednar commented, noting his team currently holds the NHL’s best record with eight contests left, including Saturday’s crucial matchup against Dallas, which trails by six points. “(The streak) is an incredible accomplishment. It’s hard to believe.”
After celebrating his 41st birthday on March 9, Burns signed a one-year contract with Colorado this season, pursuing the only prize absent from his career achievements — a Stanley Cup championship.
Burns has emerged as a veteran leader and mentor for the Avalanche while continuing to contribute offensively alongside stars Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Martin Necas. His 11 goals this season place him alongside Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom as the only NHL defensemen to score double-digit goals after turning 40.
However, Burns’ primary strength remains using his imposing 6-foot-5, 228-pound build to punish opponents in his defensive zone. This physical style makes his consecutive games streak even more impressive, considering the punishment he absorbs and delivers nightly. He’s approaching the all-time record of 1,064 straight regular-season appearances set by forward Phil Kessel between November 3, 2009, and April 13, 2023.
“It’s the same guy that we’ve been watching for a decade-plus, doing the exact thing,” Bednar observed. “To have guys with these ironman streaks get to a certain point … that’s an unbelievable career and accomplishment just to get that as a player total, never mind in a row.”
Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, who missed three complete seasons with a knee injury after winning the 2022 Stanley Cup, deeply respects Burns’ durability.
“He comes to the rink with a great attitude,” Landeskog explained. “He wants to be here. He’s excited to come to work.”
Burns arrives at the arena carrying his signature military-style backpack filled with various items to maintain his physical condition. The exact contents remain mysterious, though speculation includes recovery equipment and personal coffee brewing supplies. Whatever the pack contains has proven effective — Burns is completing his 22nd NHL campaign and will play his 1,572nd career game Saturday. The 2016-17 Norris Trophy recipient still logs nearly 19 minutes per game and has blocked 83 shots this season.
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood marvels at Burns’ consistency.
“In my position alone, you’ll do something one game and your hip locks up a little bit,” Wedgewood said. “It’s like, ‘Thank God, I’m not playing the next one. It feels like crap right now.’
“That happens 15 times a year, just on me, let alone taking body checks and slap shots. Playing as much as he does now at that age, keeping that body fresh and everything? He probably wouldn’t be the one to tell you, but he’s probably played through thousands of different nuances.”
Burns entered the NHL on October 8, 2003, with Minnesota after the Wild selected him in the first round. His career included seven seasons in Minnesota, 11 years in San Jose, three campaigns in Carolina, and now his first year in Colorado.
His only Stanley Cup Final appearance came in 2016 with San Jose, where Pittsburgh defeated the Sharks in six games. Burns has participated in 135 playoff games throughout his career.
The current streak began November 21, 2013 — when he played right wing that season — as he returned from injury and immediately scored a goal. During Wednesday’s 999th consecutive game against Vancouver, he recorded a goal and assist, becoming the fifth defenseman in league history to achieve a 30-point season in his 40s.
“It’s just ridiculous,” Makar said about the streak before sustaining an upper-body injury Monday against Calgary that will sideline him briefly. “For him to be able to go out there every night and make an impact, and not just float around and do the minimum, is pretty spectacular, especially at his age.”
