Avalanche's Brent Burns Nears Historic 1,000-Game Milestone

Sidney Crosby praises the veteran defenseman's versatility and longevity as he approaches a rare NHL record.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:05pm

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At 41 years old, Brent Burns of the Colorado Avalanche is on the verge of becoming just the second player in NHL history to appear in 1,000 consecutive games. The veteran defenseman, known for his ability to play both forward and defense, is currently at 997 straight games played. While Burns prefers not to discuss the milestone, his longtime rival Sidney Crosby has expressed admiration for his longevity and physical style of play.

Why it matters

Reaching 1,000 consecutive games played is an incredibly rare feat in the NHL, with only one other player, Phil Kessel, having accomplished it. Burns' ability to maintain his health and availability over more than two decades in the league is a testament to his dedication and skill, and his impending milestone will cement his status as one of the most durable players of his era.

The details

Burns, who is in his 22nd NHL season, is approaching several major career milestones, including 1,600 games played and 950 points, which would place him among the top 10 all-time scoring defensemen. His iron man streak is particularly impressive, as he has continued to play a physical, heavy game while switching between forward and defense throughout his career.

  • Burns is currently at 997 consecutive games played.
  • He recently passed Keith Yandle for second place on the NHL's all-time consecutive games list.
  • If he reaches 1,000 games, Burns would become just the second player in NHL history to hit that mark, joining Phil Kessel's record of 1,064 consecutive games.

The players

Brent Burns

A 41-year-old defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who is in his 22nd NHL season and is on the verge of reaching 1,000 consecutive games played, a feat accomplished by only one other player in league history.

Sidney Crosby

A veteran NHL player and longtime rival of Brent Burns who has expressed admiration for Burns' versatility and longevity in the league.

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What they’re saying

“He's tough. I mean I remember when he was playing between forward and D. For a while he was switching back and forth, that tells you how good he is that he could do both. But you know, he's just a big body, big presence in front of the net with a hard shot. He finds ways to get it through, but yeah, that's quite the milestone. I don't want to talk about it, but yeah, that's great for him.”

— Sidney Crosby

What’s next

If Burns appears in the Avalanche's next three games, he will reach the 1,000-game milestone, becoming just the second player in NHL history to achieve that feat.

The takeaway

Brent Burns' impending 1,000-game milestone is a testament to his remarkable durability and longevity in the NHL. Despite playing a physical, heavy style of hockey and switching between forward and defense throughout his career, the veteran defenseman has managed to remain available for his team night after night, season after season. This rare accomplishment will cement Burns' status as one of the most durable players of his era.