Brent Burns Named Sharks Fan Favorite in Stunning Win

Defenseman's record-breaking season and community work earn him top fan honor

Feb. 27, 2026 at 10:38am

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The San Jose Sharks have named defenseman Brent Burns as the recipient of the Sharks Fan Favorite Award for the 2025-26 season, recognizing his outstanding performance and connection with fans. Burns led the team in multiple key statistical categories, including points, assists, shots, and takeaways, and surpassed his own franchise record for assists by a defenseman in a single season.

Why it matters

Burns' sustained excellence on the ice and dedication to the community have made him a beloved figure among Sharks fans. His recognition as the Fan Favorite reflects his ability to inspire and engage with the team's passionate fan base, which is crucial for a professional sports franchise.

The details

This season, Burns tallied 67 points, including 12 goals and 55 assists, while firing 332 shots on goal across 82 games. He led the Sharks in assists, shots, and points, and ranked among the top three NHL defensemen in points, assists, shots, and takeaways. Burns surpassed his own franchise record for assists by a defenseman in a single season, previously established in 2015-16. He also joined the ranks of Hockey Hall of Famers Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque as one of the few defensemen in league history to achieve three consecutive seasons recording at least 60 points and over 320 shots on net.

  • Burns was named the Sharks Fan Favorite for the 2025-26 season.

The players

Brent Burns

A six-foot-five, 230-pound defenseman from Barrie, Ontario, who was originally drafted 20th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2003 and was acquired by the San Jose Sharks in June 2011. He is known for his exceptional on-ice performance and community engagement.

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What’s next

Fans who voted for the Sharks Fan Favorite Award were entered into a random drawing, where one lucky winner was awarded two tickets to Sharks Fan Appreciation Night, including the opportunity to meet their favorite player on the ice after the game and receive the player's jersey as a keepsake.

The takeaway

Brent Burns' recognition as the Sharks Fan Favorite highlights the importance of players who can excel on the ice and connect with their team's fan base. His record-breaking season and community involvement have made him a beloved figure in San Jose, demonstrating the value of well-rounded athletes who can inspire and engage with their local community.