Analysts Urge Maple Leafs to Target Former Norris Trophy Winner Brent Burns This Offseason
Big changes are expected this offseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and one analyst is now calling for a bold move on the blue line — signing veteran defenseman Brent Burns.
After last summer’s promising additions, the 2024–25 season ended in familiar disappointment for the Leafs. With major decisions looming around core forwards like Mitch Marner and John Tavares, the roster could look significantly different for the 2025–26 campaign. The team will also have ample salary cap space to reshape its identity.
While most of the attention has focused on potential forward replacements — names like Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews have been floated — changes on defense could also be in the works.
According to a report from The Leafs Nation, Toronto should seriously consider pursuing Brent Burns, the 40-year-old blueliner and former Norris Trophy winner.
Still Producing at 40
While signing a 40-year-old carries risks, Burns has remained remarkably durable and effective:
82 games played in each of the last four seasons
29 points in 2024–25
+45 rating across three seasons with the Hurricanes
9 seasons with 82 games played in the past 11 years
He continues to bring a unique mix of offensive upside, physicality, and veteran experience — the kind of player who thrives in the postseason.
Coming Home?
Toronto’s right side already includes Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, so fit and usage would need careful planning. But Burns — a native of Barrie, Ontario — could be tempted by the opportunity to play at home for the first time in his NHL career.
If GM Brad Treliving can make the pitch and the cap space works, Burns could be the missing piece to push the Leafs deeper in the playoffs.
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