Avalanche Sign Brent Burns for 2025–26 Season

The Colorado Avalanche have signed veteran defenseman Brent Burns to a one-year contract for the 2025–26 NHL season, with a base salary of $1 million and up to $3 million in potential bonuses. Burns, 40, is a former Norris Trophy winner and six-time All-Star, tallying 910 points in 1,497 regular-season games over 21 seasons with the Wild, Sharks, and Hurricanes. He holds the NHL's fourth-longest consecutive games streak at 925. While his offensive production has declined, he averaged nearly 21 minutes per game last season and is expected to add depth and leadership to the Avalanche blue line. The signing has received mixed reviews, with debate over the risk of relying on an aging player. Burns is still seeking the first Stanley Cup of his career.