Avalanche Veteran Brent Burns Chases Phil Kessel's Historic Ironman Record
Defenseman Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks during pre-game warm-ups before a game against the Los Angeles Kings on April 14, 2016. (Photo: Mark Mauno.)
Written By Gina Anton
Brent Burns has little left to prove in a Hall of Fame career, but the Colorado Avalanche veteran could add another historic accomplishment to his résumé during the 2026-27 season.
If Burns stays healthy, he has a legitimate chance to become the NHL's all-time ironman.
After appearing in every game during the 2025-26 season, Burns extended his consecutive games played streak to 1,007 regular-season games, the second-longest in NHL history. Only Phil Kessel's record of 1,064 consecutive games stands ahead of him, leaving Burns just 57 games away from tying the mark. If he remains in the lineup, he would be on pace to break the record before the midpoint of the upcoming season.
Kessel's streak was once viewed as one of the league's most unbreakable records after he surpassed Keith Yandle in 2022. Now, Burns is within striking distance of rewriting NHL history.
The feat would be remarkable for any player, but especially for a defenseman.
Unlike forwards, defensemen routinely absorb blocked shots, battle in front of the net, deliver and receive heavy hits, and often log more than 20 minutes of ice time each night. Despite the physical demands of the position, Burns has not missed a regular-season game since Nov. 21, 2013, a streak that has spanned more than a decade and several organizations.
Burns added another chapter to his remarkable career during the 2025-26 season when he became the first defenseman in NHL history to reach 1,000 consecutive regular-season games. He joined Kessel as just the second player ever to reach the four-digit milestone, underscoring just how rare his durability has been in today's NHL.
The Avalanche clearly believe the 41-year-old still has plenty left in the tank. Colorado re-signed Burns to a one-year contract after he appeared in all 82 games during his first season with the club, recording 35 points while continuing to provide veteran leadership on the blue line. The new deal not only gives him the opportunity to chase Kessel's ironman record, but also another chance to accomplish the one feat missing from his decorated résumé: a Stanley Cup championship.
Despite nearing one of the league's most prestigious individual records, Burns has made it clear that the consecutive games streak isn't what drives him.
"There's still something to chase," Burns said. "I'm still super motivated for that. Yeah, there's one big goal still."
Over 22 NHL seasons, Burns has won the Norris Trophy, surpassed 900 career points, and played more than 1,500 regular-season games, cementing his place among the premier defensemen of his era. Despite those accomplishments, one defining achievement still remains.
The 2026-27 season gives Burns a chance to make history on two fronts. If he stays healthy, he is on pace to surpass Phil Kessel for the NHL's all-time consecutive games played record. At the same time, Colorado enters the season as a legitimate championship contender, offering Burns perhaps his best opportunity yet to complete his already remarkable résumé.
If Burns remains healthy, the NHL could have a new all-time ironman before the season reaches its midpoint. But for the veteran defenseman, the record is secondary. As impressive as that milestone would be, the ultimate prize is the one that has motivated him throughout his career.
