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Brent Burns' NHL Future Revealed Following Devastating Playoff Exit

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 8:28 PM ET

Brent Burns heads into 2025/26 at 40-years of age, but now, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour makes it clear that he wants him back for next season after another solid campaign for Carolina in 2024/25.

The Carolina Hurricanes believed they could make a deep Stanley Cup run in 2024/25, and after making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals once again, optimism remained high.

Unfortunately, the team were then blown out in five games by the defending Stanley Cup Champions, and now, they head into the summer after a crazy season once again looking for answers.

One player that may not be back next season is veteran Brent Burns, who turned 40-years of age back in March, but after the season concluded, Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour stated that he wanted his veteran blue liner back for at least one more year.

This past season was the final year in an eight-year, $64 million deal given to Burns by the San Jose Sharks before moving him to Carolina, and while he had just 6 goals and 29 points, the lowest point total since 2012/13 for Burns (in a full season), he played in 82 games again, bringing veteran leadership and toughness to a team that desperately needed it.

Burns himself hasn't yet confirmed his NHL future, but hearing this from his Head Coach of the last three seasons could play a major role for Burns, and given that he'll likely be paid a lot of money by Carolina or on the open market to play on in the NHL, it's likely that he'll push for his 22nd season in the NHL, but only time will tell.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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