Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns became just the second player in NHL history to play in 1,000 consecutive regular-season games on Saturday.
A milestone built on grit, passion and perseverance.
— x - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 4, 2026
Congratulations on 1,000 consecutive games played, Brent! pic.twitter.com/F4Jfnk48cr
Burns joins Phil Kessel (1,064 games) as the only members of the NHL's 1,000 conesecutive game club. The streak began over 12 years ago on November 21, 2013, while Burns was a member of the San Jose Sharks. Burns had missed several games in October 2013 after taking a stick to the face that cost him multiple teeth. Since returning from that injury, he has been a permanent fixture in every lineup for four different franchises. With 11 goals this season, he joined Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom as the only defensemen in league history to record double-digit goals at age 40 or older.
"He plays through things that would put other guys out for weeks or months," said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar. "It’s an incredible accomplishment. It’s hard to believe".
In 1,571 career games, Burns has racked up 941 points while playing for the Avalanche, Sharks, Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes.