LAURIE WEIR

It was a year ago that Quinton Burns was selected in the third round by the St. Louis Blues in the NHL draft.

He had just graduated from high school – Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute, and was the 74th draft pick overall.

This week, Burns signed his first contract with the Blues. It’s a three-year, entry level contract for the towering defenseman.

“Very excited to sign my first NHL contract with the St. Louis Blues,” he stated on Instagram. “Thanks to everyone that’s helped me get to this point!”

St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced the news on Aug. 23.

Burns, 19, has spent the past three seasons with OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs.

In 2023-24, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound defenseman appeared in 58 regular-season games. He tallied 35 points (6 goals, 29 helpers) and accumulated 120 penalty minutes, which led Kingston and was tied for sixth overall in the OHL.

Burns has appeared in 154 regular-season games with Kingston, posting 68 points (8 goals, 60 assists) and 285 penalty minutes.

Burns also played in three games with Team Canada at the 2023 U-18 World Junior Championship, where he earned a bronze medal.

Burns had only played one year as a novice in the Smiths Falls Minor Hockey League before moving to the St. Lawrence Kings. He then moved on to the triple-A Upper Canada Cyclones until he was picked up by the Frontenacs.

Burns’ well-wishers on social media had similar messages: “Let’s go dude!” and, “Congratulations, Q! Can’t wait to see you in the NHL!”

Casey Lloyd is Quinton’s mom.

“His father Joey Burns and I, are extremely proud of Quinton,” she told the Hometown News. “He has always lived and breathed hockey. He has put in the hard work and dedication. Signing an NHL Entry Level Contract is another dream come true for Quinton. We are very thankful for all the support from our family, friends and his teammates and coaches.”