For as long as we’ve known him, Alex Burrows has been a shit disturber. Marc Crawford asked as much of Burrows and he’s delivered with a consistency that has endeared him to Vancouver and vilified him elsewhere. 
An undrafted former ball hockey player, Burrows certainly took the road less traveled. The Canucks scouting staff originally found this diamond in the rough by scouring the ECHL ranks, where Burrows was plying his craft with the Columbia Inferno. The pesky if illegible forwards star ascended to the NHL less than two seasons thereafter, joining the Canucks as a regular by the end of the 2005-06 season.

Career Statistics

Most Memorable Moments

In case you’ve ever forgotten why most of the league hates Burrows, here’s a few quick snippets as to why. Hair pulling, finger biting… these certainly aren’t tactics I would feel comfortable employing in a fight, but we’ve all seen worse in the NHL, to be sure. 
There’s also a plethora of huge goals in there, including the shorthanded marker against the Hurricanes in 2009 which likely saved the Canucks season and Alain Vigneault’s job. The trash talking against the Blues is great, but I just wish I had the infamous snow-on-a-stick taunt of 2012 at my disposal.

Career Milestones

  • 8th All-Time Canucks Regular Season Games Played (688)
  • 3rd All-Time Canucks Plus/Minus +122
  • 7th All-Time Canucks Regular Season PIM (964)
  • 8th All-Time Canucks Regular Season Even Strength Goals (142)
  • 2nd All-Time Canucks Regular Season Shorthanded Goals (17)
  • 8th All-Time Canucks Regular Season Shots (1368)
  • 8th All-Time Canucks Regular Season Hat-Tricks (3)

Legacy

On the question of Burrows legacy, it bears mentioning that it’s still in the making. At 34-years young, it seems entirely possible that there might be another four, maybe five years of quality hockey left in Burrows – barring serious injury or a dramatic decline in ability, of course.
When the dust has settled, I imagine a sizable chunk of Canucks lore will be occupied by the illegible shift disturber. Often the under-appreciated member of an electric first line, Burrows has been remarkably productive and versatile for the Canucks over the entirety of his career. He’s played every forward position, on every line and always looked the part.
Burrows was also an integral member of the 2010-11 Canucks, who came ever so close to hoisting Stanley’s chalice. The pesky winger played a huge role in this club’s advancement from the first round, scoring the series clinching goal in overtime of game seven; then he upped the ante with the overtime winner in game two of the Stanley Cup Final. 
As far as players you love to see on your favourite team, but would hate elsewhere, Burrows is near the top of the list. One of the more admirable qualities of Burrows, though, has been his ability to walk this line in an efficient and relatively safe fashion – call Burrows what ever you want, but injurious doesn’t make the list. 
A great story and even better person, Burrows will likely find himself in the Canucks Ring of Honour at some point. Certainly makes sense.