While all the attention is on the forward group of the Toronto Maple Leafs heading into the offseason, if general manager Brad Treliving wants to add a defenceman who can move the needle for his group, the Leafs should try to convince Brent Burns to sign north of the border.
The Barrie, ON native is 40 years old and going strong, and all signs are pointing to him coming back for another season in 2025-26. Last season with the Carolina Hurricanes, Burns averaged over 20 minutes per game, finishing the year with six goals and 29 points in 82 games. Yes, it’s going to be hard to convince him to leave a great situation in Carolina, with a head coach he has a ton of respect for, and their families are very close off the ice, however, Burns has never had a chance to play in Canada, and especially close to home in Toronto. He hasn’t won a Stanley Cup, and depending how the offseasons go in both Toronto and Carolina, he could see the Maple Leafs a better fit to go out on top to cap off one hell of a career.
Given his age, and the changing elements of his game, Burns could be an affordable option for depth on the Leafs’ blueline. Despite his dip in offensive numbers last season, the towering right-handed blueliner would be a significant upgrade over anyone else on the Leafs’ current roster for first power-play minutes. He sees the ice as well as any d-man in the league, has a booming shot, and has a long history of being able to put up points in a hurry on the man advantage. The Leafs struggled to find consistency with their offence from their defence last season, and Burns can certainly help provide a boost in this area.
Burns could join the Leafs and not have to worry about playing major minutes. He’d slot in as a second-pair option, while playing a role on both sides of special teams. He keeps his body in impressive shape for his age, thanks to his wild-game diet, and a ton of cycling, so there aren’t many concerns that he’s going to be slowing down anytime soon. Burns has played all 82 games nine of the last 11 seasons, which is an impressive feat in itself.
Burns would change some of the Leafs ‘DNA’
Treliving wants to make changes to the DNA of the Maple Leafs roster, and Burns would certainly accomplish this. He’s a character on and off the ice with his love for his wild animals, and he’d certainly find some common ground with Simon Benoit, as they both share a love for coffee. But what doesn’t get talked about enough is Burns impact in the dressing room, he’s a master of his craft, he takes practicing and training very seriously, and he could be a positive influence as a leader in the Leafs dressing room next season.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour was asked about Burns playing another year at Carolina’s end-of-the-season availability, and made it clear he thinks Burns can play in his 40’s.
“It’s no secret, I think he’s phenomenal, I love the guy and what he brings. Not only the hockey side of things and what you see, but just the way he handles himself on and off the ice. He did a great job this year, and he’s kind of learning how to change his game a little, and we had the best penalty kill in hockey, and he’s a big part of that. And, that’s not something you would say 10 years ago.”
Burns’ complete game should appeal to the Maple Leafs and if the mobile defenceman makes it to July 1st, Treliving should be calling to see where his interest lies in playing in Toronto to finish off his career. After spending the majority of his career playing in Carolina and San Jose, yes, it’s a bit of a long shot to try and convince him to come north, but considering the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup, close to some family and friends in Ontario, maybe Treliving can pull on the right set of heart strings.
Burns is a character, he’d give the Maple Leafs’ dressing room a different look and feel, and he’d bring a ton of leadership to the team as a veteran who takes his off-ice approach as seriously as his game on the ice. Affordable, impactful, and hopefully available, the Leafs need to keep an eye on Burns’ situation this summer.