What does Brent Burns’ recent achievement of scoring his 271st career goal mean for his legacy in the NHL? It signifies a remarkable milestone as he has now surpassed Bobby Orr, a legendary figure in hockey, for seventh place on the all-time list of goals scored by NHL defensemen.
Burns reached this milestone during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, taking 1,563 games to achieve this feat. In contrast, Orr set his total of 270 goals in just 657 games, showcasing the different eras and styles of play in the NHL.
Currently, Burns is 17 goals behind Larry Murphy, who holds the sixth position among NHL defensemen, and 39 goals behind Denis Potvin for fifth place. The record for most goals by a defenseman is held by Ray Bourque, with an impressive 410 goals.
At 41 years old, Burns continues to demonstrate his prowess on the ice, having played in 990 consecutive games, which puts him in close proximity to Phil Kessel’s record of 1,064 consecutive games. This season marks the 14th time Burns has reached double-digit goals in his 22-year NHL career.
Throughout his career, Burns has been recognized for his offensive capabilities, winning the Norris Trophy in 2017 and being a finalist in 2016 and 2019. Of his 271 career goals, 172 were scored during his 11 seasons with the San Jose Sharks, highlighting his significant contribution to the franchise.
As Burns continues to play, he remains a vital player in the league, with 937 career points, ranking 11th among defensemen. His journey from being a first-round pick by Minnesota in 2003 to becoming one of the top-scoring defensemen in NHL history is a testament to his talent and dedication.
Given the irregularity of his time at forward/defense throughout parts of his career, we treat Burns solely as a defenseman, according to the NHL Stats department.
Looking ahead, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how many more goals Burns can add to his total and whether he can close the gap on Murphy and Potvin. The future remains bright for this veteran player as he continues to make his mark in the NHL.
