Bednar Says He Won't Sit Burns to End Ironman Streak

Jared Bednar says he will not be the coach who ends Brent Burns' consecutive-games streak by taking him out of the Colorado Avalanche lineup. Burns enters the 2026-27 season having played 1,007 straight regular-season games, 57 short of Phil Kessel's NHL record of 1,064.

"I'm not going to be the guy that breaks that streak," Bednar told reporters at training camp. "I've got way too much respect for him, for what he's done in his career, and for what he's doing for us on a daily basis. He's proven to me that he deserves to be in our lineup."

Bednar's point was about Burns' current play as well as the milestone. He said the defenseman returned in "phenomenal condition." Colorado's official records show Burns played all 82 games last season, scored 12 goals and added 23 assists while averaging 18:53 of ice time. The Avalanche re-signed him to a one-year contract on June 26.

The 41-year-old is less focused on the count. "I'm trying to figure out what stick I'm going to use tomorrow, what I'm going to eat tonight," Burns said. "I don't really think about all the other stuff." His streak began on Nov. 21, 2013, with San Jose.

If he remains healthy and plays every game, Burns could tie Kessel at Tampa Bay on Feb. 13 and pass him two days later at home against Columbus, according to the Associated Press report carried by Sportsnet. Bednar said he hopes Burns reaches the mark, but his commitment not to sit him cannot guarantee the streak survives an NHL season.