It is tough not to like a defenseman that puts up 100 PIMs or more in consecutive OHL seasons while, more importantly, shows a massive development in defensive habits, going from minus 19 in 2023-24 to plus 45 in 2024-25. Burns can help offensively, but it will not be his calling card to the NHL; rather, his strong defensive play and physical edge, which he is not afraid to deploy on the opposition. Dynasty managers in multi-cat leagues that consider hits, blocks, and PIMs, stash Burns away in your prospect pool for a few seasons and wait patiently for the peripheral reward.

This season has leaned disappointing for Burns. Despite playing two more games than last season (56 games), he has accumulated four more points (33 points) and holds a plus/minus of -21 compared to -13. Given the team’s overall improvement this season, you would have expected him to have taken a larger step in the right direction instead of stalling a bit. However, it is important to note that Burns still has plenty of time in his development before a season like this, starts to cause some worries.

After racking up the third most penalty minutes by a defenseman in the OHL. Burns was chosen for his physicality and presence to represent Canada in the U18 tournament. Unfortunately, he was only able to play three games and did not demonstrate any production.

Mr. Burns was selected 74th overall by the Blues.

Burns is a mobile and intelligent defenceman who closes his gaps very quickly and relies heavily on stickwork defensively. He has shown flashes of physical snarl over the course of the season but his consistent physical engagement could use some refinement. His transition upside is mainly as a passer and his offensive ceiling is limited, though his deceptive short passing game gives him an outside shot at becoming a decent PP2 QB. He likely tops out as a #5 and isn’t a guaranteed NHLer by any means, but his strong foundation of tools is a reason for optimism, and he will shine more brightly once he isn’t playing 25+ minutes a night on a weak Kingston team.