Brent Burns Signs with the Colorado Avalanche
The experienced ice hockey player, Brent Burns, has signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche, as announced on Wednesday. Burns, recognized as a six-time NHL All-Star and winner of the Norris Trophy in 2017, joins the team after finishing his time with the Carolina Hurricanes. At 40 years old, Burns became a free agent after spending three seasons with the Hurricanes. In his last season in Raleigh, the player scored six goals and added 29 points, averaging 20:57 minutes of ice time in each of the 82 games, standing out as a solid option on defense. This move marks the eleventh consecutive season in which Burns has participated in all 82 games, solidifying his record with an impressive streak of 925 consecutive games. Burns’ arrival to the Avalanche, winners of the Stanley Cup in 2022, gives him a new opportunity to fight for the championship, a title that has eluded his successful career, during which he has accumulated 261 goals and 910 points in 1,497 games. The Avalanche management, led by Chris MacFarland, focused on reinforcing defensive depth and finding affordable players. The addition of Burns gives the Avs seven defensemen under contract, with the possibility of Burns competing for a spot on the second or third defensive pairing. The Avalanche already have a top-tier defensive pairing, made up of Cale Makar and Devon Toews, winners of the Norris Trophy.This could lead to Burns playing alongside Samuel Girard on the second defensive pairing, moving Josh Manson to the third. Alternatively, the Avs could keep Girard and Manson together, placing Burns on the third pairing with Sam Malinski.
