Man. I remember watching each day of the 2003 Prospects Camp where Burrows was a free agent invite. I had to keep searching out information to find out who this guy was that was dominating so much. I think in two prospect inter squad games, he had 4 goals and 5 assists. I was shocked when the Canucks opted not to sign him after that, but Craig Heisinger brought him into the fold in our farm system, thank heavens.
His rise up to the NHL from there is the ultimate Canucks underdog story. I loved watching him and Kesler play on their "frick and frack" line, and his work with the Twins was absolute dynamite. He always showed up in the big games and scored at the big moments. He was a great teammate and a pillar in the Vancouver community.
Opponents may hate him, sure, but that was by design. He was out there to win and rattle their cages - not make friends. He's not the first guy who ever had a reputation for saying or doing whatever it took to win, that's for sure.
And he may ultimately be remembered for that around the league. But here (for me, anyway) he'll be remembered as one part of the best offensive line this team has ever had, and the guy who scored some of the biggest goals in franchise history.
He should be Ring of Honour bound ASAP. Congratulations on the greatest career no one ever saw coming, Burr. You'll always be our Dragonslayer. All the best in the coaching career.
