Career Timeline of Brent Burns: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Brent Burns built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Brent Burns is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL. Originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild as a right winger, he transitioned to defence early in his professional career. Known for his offensive capabilities and versatility, Burns has also played as a forward at times. He was drafted in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2002: Burns Played with Brampton Battalion

In the 2002-03 season, Brent Burns played his Ontario Hockey League (OHL) career as a right winger with the Brampton Battalion.

October 8, 2003: NHL Debut with the Wild

On October 8, 2003, Brent Burns made his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild against the Chicago Blackhawks.

2003: Drafted by Minnesota Wild

In 2003, Brent Burns was drafted as a right wing (20th overall) by the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Entry Draft.

2003: NHL Debut

In 2003-04 Brent Burns debuted in the NHL.

2005: Earned Regular Spot on Wild Roster

After spending the 2004-05 NHL lock-out in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Houston Aeros, Brent Burns adapted as a defenceman and earned a regular spot on the Wild roster for the 2005-06 season.

2006: Significant Force for the Wild

In the 2006-07 season, Brent Burns became a significant force for the Wild in the latter months of the season, scoring back-to-back overtime winners in March.

October 25, 2007: Contract Extension with the Wild

On October 25, 2007, Brent Burns signed a four-year contract extension with the Minnesota Wild during the 2007-08 season.

2007: Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 2007, Brent Burns engaged in two fights during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

2008: Best Defenceman at World Championship

In 2008, Brent Burns was named the best defenceman at the World Championships, helping Canada to a silver medal finish.

2009: Suite for Military Families

Starting in the 2009 season, Brent Burns purchased a suite at the Xcel Energy Center for members of the military and their families to attend Minnesota Wild home games.

2010: World Championships

At the 2010 World Championships, Brent Burns led all Canadian defencemen in ice time at 18:29 minutes per game as Canada finished in seventh place.

August 1, 2011: Contract Extension with Sharks

On August 1, 2011, Brent Burns signed a five-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks after being traded.

2012: Burns Used as a Forward

In 2012, during the shortened 2012–13 season, the Sharks began using Brent Burns as a forward.

2013: Moved to Forward

In March 2013, Brent Burns was moved to forward for the Sharks, where he scored 20 points in 23 regular season games.

2013: First Career Hat-Trick

On November 29, 2013, against the St. Louis Blues, Brent Burns recorded his first career hat-trick in a 6–3 victory.

August 2014: Move Back to Defense

In August 2014, the Sharks announced that Brent Burns would move back to defence. He also won the NHL Foundation Player Award for outstanding charitable and community work.

2015: World Championship

At the 2015 World Championships Brent Burns was again named the best defenceman, and a member of the all-star team, as part of Canada's gold medal-winning team.