NHL Rumors: Brent Burns on the move this summer?

The NHL's free agency opens up in under a month, and one intriguing defenceman who is set to hit the open market is Carolina Hurricanes' blueliner Brent Burns.

Burns, 40, appears committed to another season in 2025-26, and continues to evolve his game throughout the later stages of his career, providing both offensive skills to help out on a power play, while also giving more attention to detail on the defensive side, becoming one of the best penalty killers in the league.

Burns loves the Hurricanes organization and specifically, playing for Rod Brind'Amour, so it will be interesting to see if GM Eric Tulsky feels Burns should return for another season, or if the team will move on in a new direction.

Burns averaged over 20 minutes per game in 2024-25, scoring six times, finishing the year with 29 points in 82 games. He's in great shape and is dependable, playing all 82 games in 9 of the last 11 seasons. While there was a dip in his points total this season, it's mostly because he was playing more of a shut-down role for the 'Canes, but it's worth pointing out he recorded 43, 61, and 54 points the three seasons prior.

As far as a contract goes, it's likely a one-year deal coming Burns' way, which could be bonus driven, allowing for some of his cap hit to be pushed to the following season. There's certainly going to be interest if the Hurricanes can't get a deal done before July 1, with the Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, and even the San Jose Sharks as potential suitors. It will be curious to see if Burns' chases a Stanley Cup, or is more concerned with the fit for his family instead.

Here's more from Burns on his future in the NHL: