Veteran Defenseman Brent Burns Set for 1,000th Straight NHL Game

The 41-year-old Avalanche player reaches a remarkable career milestone as his team chases the Stanley Cup.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the Colorado Avalanche team, conceptually representing the dedication and resilience required to reach such a remarkable career milestone.A cubist interpretation of veteran defenseman Brent Burns' relentless, physical style of play as he approaches a historic 1,000th consecutive NHL game.Denver Today

Brent Burns, a 41-year-old defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, is set to play in his 1,000th consecutive regular-season NHL game on April 3, 2026. Burns' impressive ironman streak began in October 2013 after he suffered a facial injury while playing for the San Jose Sharks, which cost him some time on the ice but not his determination to keep playing.

Why it matters

Reaching 1,000 straight games is an incredible feat of durability and dedication in the physically demanding sport of professional hockey. Burns' milestone comes as the Avalanche are in the midst of a playoff push, making his consistent presence on the ice even more valuable to the team's Stanley Cup aspirations.

The details

Burns, who has played for the Avalanche since 2023, has not missed a regular-season game since that facial injury with the Sharks in 2013. The defenseman is known for his rugged, physical style of play and his ability to contribute offensively, having scored over 300 career goals.

  • Burns suffered a facial injury in October 2013 while playing for the San Jose Sharks.
  • Burns joined the Colorado Avalanche in 2023.
  • Burns will play in his 1,000th consecutive regular-season game on April 3, 2026.

The players

Brent Burns

A 41-year-old defenseman who has played in the NHL since 2003, known for his physical, hard-hitting style of play and offensive contributions.

Colorado Avalanche

An NHL team based in Denver, Colorado, currently in the midst of a playoff push as they chase the Stanley Cup.

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What they’re saying

“Brent Burns is the epitome of toughness and dedication in the NHL. To play in 1,000 straight games is an incredible accomplishment that speaks to his passion for the game and his commitment to his team.”

— Joe Sakic, General Manager, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The Avalanche will honor Burns' 1,000th consecutive game milestone with a special pre-game ceremony on April 3, 2026, as they continue their push for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The takeaway

Brent Burns' remarkable ironman streak is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and love for the game of hockey. As he reaches this historic milestone, his story serves as an inspiration to players and fans alike, showcasing the dedication required to excel at the highest level of the sport.