Veteran defenseman Brent Burns has agreed to a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche, extending his NHL career into a 23rd season. At age 41, he is closing in on the league's iron man record for consecutive games played.
Colorado announced the agreement on Thursday. Burns has not missed a game since 2013 and enters the new season with 1,007 straight appearances.
Phil Kessel holds the record with 1,064 consecutive games. Burns needs 58 more matches to surpass him and would tie the mark after 57.
The former Norris Trophy winner previously played for the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes. He joined Colorado ahead of last season.