3ITB’s Top 33 Wild Players of All Time – #5

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5. Brent Burns – D/RW

7 Seasons,  453 Games,  55 Goals,  128 Assists,  183 Points

Drafted 20th overall in 2003 out of the OHL, where he played  as a right winger, Brent Burns was promptly converted into a defenseman by Jacque Lemaire and as an 18 year-old, spot started through most of his rookie season. With limited ice-time, he struggled and was likely not quite ready for the NHL. Luckily Gary Bettman decided to deprive all hockey fans in 2004-2005, and that gave Brent a chance to develop with the Houston Aeros.

In the two years following the lockout, Burns would flash hints of the talent that was developing, and by his 4th NHL season, he had officially arrived, scoring 43 points over the full 82 game schedule. His scoring touch would continue over the next two seasons, as he split time between playing defense and right wing, but he battled several injuries, including missing a significant amount of time due to a series of concussions.

2010-2011 saw him back on the ice full time, and he put up another impressive season with 46 points. This was short lived though, as the following summer he was traded during the draft, along with a 2nd round draft pick, for Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle and San Jose’s 1st round pick (who turned out to be Zach Philips).

He is 6th all-time in games played, 6th in assists and 7th in points. Amongst defenseman, he ranks 1st in goals, 2nd in assists and 1st in points.

Of course, he’s 1st in facial hair as well.

Previously on our list:

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