Brent Burns, the 39-year-old defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, has built a Hall of Fame–caliber career over two decades, spanning 1,579 regular-season games and a Norris Trophy. But despite his elite offensive production and unmatched durability, he has never won a Stanley Cup. This article answers the most common questions about his career, stats, family, and his late-career move to Colorado, drawing on official league data and reliable player databases.
Last checked: 2026-07-07
Position: Defenseman · Team: Colorado Avalanche · Age: 39 (born March 9, 1985)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-07.
Sources reviewed: official league site (NHL.com), player statistics databases (Hockey-Reference, Elite Prospects), Wikipedia, social media (Instagram, Facebook), sports media (ESPN, CBS Sports, Puckpedia).
No on-site visit, no interview with Brent Burns, and no primary source verification beyond publicly available data. Career statistics are current as of the 2024–25 NHL season; 2025–26 data is included where available.
Brent Burns at a glance
- Born March 9, 1985, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada (ESPN)
- Selected 20th overall in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild (ESPN)
- 1,579 regular-season games through the 2025–26 season (NHL.com)
- Reached 1,000 consecutive regular-season games on April 4, 2026 (NHL.com)
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Position | Defenseman |
| Team | Colorado Avalanche |
| Age | 39 (born March 9, 1985) |
| Height | 6’5″ |
| Shoots | Right |
| NHL debut | 2003–04 season with Minnesota Wild |
| Stanley Cup wins | 0 |
| Norris Trophy | 1 (2017) |
Has Brent Burns won a Stanley Cup?
No, Brent Burns has not won a Stanley Cup. His closest run came in 2016 with the San Jose Sharks, when the team reached the Stanley Cup Finals but lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. Burns was a key contributor during that playoff run, posting 12 points in 24 games, but the championship eluded him (Wikipedia).
Despite several deep playoff runs with the Sharks, Hurricanes, and now the Avalanche, Burns has never lifted the Cup. He has appeared in the playoffs in 13 of his 20 seasons, registering 72 points in 130 postseason games (NHL.com).
The bottom line: Burns is one of the most accomplished defensemen of his era without a championship ring, a distinction he shares with several Hall of Fame blueliners.
Is Brent Burns still good?
At 39, Burns remains a productive NHL player, though his role has shifted from elite offensive powerhouse to reliable veteran presence. In the 2023–24 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, he recorded 54 points (10 goals, 44 assists) and averaged 26:09 of ice time per game, ranking third in the NHL among all skaters (ESPN).
After joining the Colorado Avalanche on a one-year, $850,000 contract in July 2025, Burns saw his ice time drop to around 18:50 per game. In his first season with the Avalanche (2025–26), he played all 82 games, scoring 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points with a plus‑33 rating. He also reached two major milestones: his 1,500th game in October 2025 and his 1,000th consecutive game in April 2026 (NHL.com).
“Brent Burns becomes the 23rd player and just the 8th defenseman in NHL history to reach 1,500 career games.”
— Colorado Avalanche communications, via Facebook
His offensive numbers are down from his Norris-winning peak (76 points in 2015–16, 83 points in 2018–19), but he remains a top‑four defenseman who contributes on the power play and provides leadership. His durability is exceptional: he has not missed a game since the 2018–19 season.
What this means: Burns is no longer a 70‑point defenseman, but he is still a valuable NHL player, especially in a more sheltered role that maximizes his experience and puck‑moving ability.
How many children does Brent Burns have?
Brent Burns has two children. His son, Jagger Burns, is referenced in player profiles, and his daughter’s name is not widely publicized. Burns is known for keeping his family life private, but he has mentioned his children in interviews and social media posts (Elite Prospects).
He is also known for his off‑ice interests, including exotic animals, a ranch, and a distinctive personal style featuring a long beard and tattoos. These traits have made him one of the NHL’s most recognizable personalities.
The implication: Burns balances a demanding hockey career with a family life that includes two children, though he chooses to keep specific details out of the spotlight.
Why is Brent Burns missing teeth?
Brent Burns is commonly seen with missing teeth, a visible result of the physical nature of professional hockey. While the exact incident is not widely documented, it is widely believed to have occurred when he was hit by a puck or a stick during a game. Tooth loss is a frequent injury among NHL players, especially those who play in high‑traffic areas like the front of the net. Burns’s missing teeth have become part of his rugged, hard‑nosed image.
No single source pinpoints the specific game or play, but the visual evidence is consistent across his career photos and game footage. The injury is a common occupational hazard in hockey.
The pattern: Burns’s missing teeth are a badge of a career spent blocking shots and battling in front of the net, typical for a defenseman of his style.
Career timeline
- 2003 – Drafted 20th overall by the Minnesota Wild (ESPN)
- 2005–06 – Transitioned full‑time to defense after the lockout (Wikipedia)
- June 24, 2011 – Traded to the San Jose Sharks (Wikipedia)
- 2015–16 – Breakout season: 75 points, Stanley Cup Finals appearance (NHL.com)
- November 22, 2016 – Signed eight‑year, $64 million extension with Sharks (Puckpedia)
- 2017 – Won Norris Trophy as NHL’s best defenseman (Elite Prospects)
- July 13, 2022 – Traded to Carolina Hurricanes (NHL.com)
- July 2025 – Signed one‑year contract with Colorado Avalanche (Wikipedia)
- October 11, 2025 – Played 1,500th NHL game (Colorado Avalanche Facebook)
- January 31, 2026 – Scored 270th goal to tie Bobby Orr on all‑time defense list (CBS Sports)
- April 4, 2026 – Reached 1,000 consecutive regular‑season games (NHL.com)
- June 26, 2026 – Signed one‑year extension with Colorado (Wikipedia)
Frequently asked questions
Is Brent Burns the oldest active NHL player?
No, but he is among the oldest. As of the 2025–26 season, Burns is 39, which places him in the top 10 oldest active players. He is the oldest defenseman in the league, but forwards like Corey Perry (also from the 2003 draft class) are older.
How much is Brent Burns worth?
Brent Burns’s career earnings from NHL contracts exceed $70 million, including his eight‑year, $64 million extension with the Sharks. His current one‑year deal with Colorado is worth $850,000.
What is Brent Burns’s salary?
For the 2025–26 season, Burns signed a one‑year contract worth $850,000 with the Colorado Avalanche. This is a significant reduction from his previous $8 million cap hit with the Sharks and Hurricanes.
What is Brent Burns’s height?
Burns is listed at 6 feet 5 inches (195 cm) and weighs approximately 228–229 pounds (104 kg). His size and reach are key assets in his defensive game.
What is Brent Burns’s rookie year?
Burns made his NHL debut in the 2003–04 season with the Minnesota Wild, playing 36 games and recording 6 points. He became a full‑time regular two seasons later after his conversion to defense.
Has Brent Burns ever played forward?
Yes, Burns began his NHL career as a forward. He played his first two seasons (2003–04 and 2004–05) as a right winger before being moved to defense after the lockout. He even played some forward shifts later in his career, showcasing his versatility.
What is Brent Burns’s nickname?
Burns is commonly known as “Elvis” or “Brent Burns” (no formal nickname is widely used). His distinctive beard and style have made him a fan favorite, but he does not have a single official nickname.