Brent Burns

Team Number:	8
Birth Date:	03/09/1985
Height:	6'4"
Weight:	210lbs.
Position:	Defense

More Info
William Brent Burns was born on March 9, 1985 in Ajax, Ontario, Canada. He started playing hockey at age two and lists his father, Rob, as having had the biggest influence on his hockey career. As a kid, Burns tooted for the Toronto Maple Leafs and said his favorite player growing up was Mark Messier. Burns was expected to be drafted early in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, however, he was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Wild as the 20th overall pick.

Brent Burns is only the third Minnesota Wild first round draft pick to make the jump to the NHL the same year he was drafted. Wild superstars Marion Gaborik and Pierre-Marc Bouchard also started play in the big leagues right away. Brent Burns has appeared in 108 NHL contests and notched five goals and 17 assists in two NHL seasons.

In the 2005-06 NHL season, Burns skated in a career-high 72 games and saw action as a defenseman and forward. He tallied his second career goal and first of season in the Wild’s 6-3 season-opening victory vs. Calgary. He also had a three-game assist streak in October that spanned three Minnesota victories. In the 2004-05 NHL season, Burns scored his first career NHL goal in his third game vs. San Jose. Burns lists that goal as his most memorable hockey moment. He wasn’t completely healthy that year and was forced to miss eight games with a right shoulder separation.

Brent Burns, nicknamed “Burnzie,” spent most of his hockey career as a Right Wing. NHL Scouts have predicted Burns to have a successful career as a power forward. However, Burns plays mostly defense for the Minnesota Wild, but a switch to the wing is a definite possibility. Minnesota Wild fans should keep their eye on this talented youngster!