Avalanche Stun Fans by Signing Former Norris Trophy Winner

The Colorado Avalanche stunned fans by signing former Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns to a one-year deal on Wednesday. PuckPedia reports Burns and the Avalanche agreed to a $1 million AAV contract for the 41-year-old.

Burns won the Norris Trophy in 2017 while playing with the San Jose Sharks. That season, Burns notched 29 goals and 76 points in 82 games. The Sharks had a successful season, but fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Edmonton Oilers.

During his NHL career, Brent Burns has played in nearly 1,500 games, scoring 261 goals and 649 assists for 910 points. He’s within striking distance of 1,000 career points, but his age and declining production make it challenging to get there.

The 41-year-old has seen his points totals drop in the last three seasons. He scored 61 points in 2022-23, then dropped to 43 and 29 last season. His ice time has also dwindled. He averaged over 26 minutes during his last season in San Jose. However, he averaged just under 21 last year.

Burns played the last three seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. But the Canes’ desire to revamp their defense core put Burns on the outside looking in. The Hurricanes acquired K’Andre Miller in a blockbuster trade with the New York Rangers, likely sealing Burns’ fate in Carolina.

How Brent Burns Fits into Avalanche’s Lineup

The Colorado Avalanche already boasts reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar in their lineup. Makar and Devon Toews are arguably the best defense pairing in the NHL at the moment.

The Avalanche’s second pairing is slated to be Josh Manson and Samuel Girard, according to Daily Faceoff. Manson and Girard are a solid middle pairing, providing offense and reliable defense. However, injuries have caught up to both Manson and Girard. If both can stay healthy, there’s no reason why the pairing can’t be a force this upcoming season.

That configuration leaves Burns to play on the Avs’ third pairing with Sam Malinski. Malinski emerged as a dependable bottom-pairing defenseman. Unfortunately, injuries kept somewhat of a revolving door around Malinski.

With Burns slated to play alongside Malinski, the Avalanche gets some more pop from their third-pairing. The Avs can exploit matchups against other teams’ bottom six, potentially giving Burns a chance to deploy his offensive skills more effectively.

Brent Burns, a Calculated Risk

Brent Burns is far from a sure thing. At 41, there’s no telling how much he’s got left in the tank. His questionable defensive play at times could make him a liability. But if there’s still something to his offensive side, Burns could be a solid contributor for Colorado next season.

If need be, Burns could jump into the middle pairing. That’s a significant reason why the Avalanche signed him. They got an experienced performer at an affordable price. The chance to add insurance on a cheap contract was too much to pass up for the Avalanche.

If Burns can rebound to a 40-point season in 2025-26, he will be one of the offseason’s biggest steals. Burns will be motivated to show he can still play even into his 40s.