Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Brent Burns across Hockey.
Colorado Avalanche face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, navigating injuries to key players while preparing for a matchup defined by deep center talent on both sides.
Bill Guerin, the general manager of the Minnesota Wild, faces the task of building a team capable of defeating the dominant Colorado Avalanche. Despite having star players like Quinn Hughes, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber, the Wild struggle with speed and special teams, which were exposed in their playoff series against the Avalanche. Guerin has the flexibility this offseason to address these issues, including potentially signing Hughes to a long-term extension and targeting faster players in free agency or via trade. The Wild's success will depend on their ability to match the Avalanche's speed and skill, as well as improve their penalty kill, which was a key factor in their Olympic success.
Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland is a finalist for the 2025‑26 Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award after guiding the franchise to a league‑leading 121 points, a Presidents’ Trophy, and a historic playoff streak.
At 41, Brent Burns, a Norris Trophy‑winning defenseman with the longest Iron Man streak in NHL history, is poised to chase a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, confronting his former clubs, the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expects the return of defenseman Josh Manson to add size and physicality for Game Four against the Minnesota Wild, while forward Joel Kiviranta’s status remains uncertain and AHL call‑up Jack Ahcan may see limited NHL time.