Burns Enters 23rd NHL Season, Chases Ironman Record

Brent Burns is entering his 23rd NHL season with the Colorado Avalanche sporting a trimmed beard, shorter hair and new front teeth, a dramatic change from his longtime bushy-bearded, gap-toothed look. The 41-year-old defenseman remains focused on helping Colorado win his first Stanley Cup rather than on personal milestones. Burns has played 1,007 consecutive regular-season games, putting him within reach of Phil Kessel’s NHL ironman record of 1,064. He returned to Colorado on a one-year contract after recording 12 goals and 35 points last season, and teammates continue to praise his youthful energy and leadership, including his decision to host young forward T.J. Hughes during the summer.