Selected seventh overall by the Red Wings in 1984, Burr spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Red Wings. On the ice his best season came in 1989-90 when he had 24 goals and 32 assists, both career highs. It was the start of a three-year stretch with at least 50 points. What really set him apart, though, was his personality and demeanor, something that made him a very popular player in Detroit with both fans and the media, which is always willing to talk with a good quote. Former Wings goalie Chris Osgood shared a story with the Detroit Free-Press that illustrated Burr's personality.
"He was a funny guy, a nonstop talker, always had a trick to play," Osgood said. "My first game as a rookie, he put my name upside down on my jersey. He was the guy in the '90s who kept everybody else relaxed. He did the dirty work for the team on the ice and then kept the guys relaxed in the dressing room."
Burr was eventually traded to Tampa Bay -- perhaps because he talked too much -- and also played for San Jose to finish out his career but he will be remembered as a Wing. Unfortunately he left Detroit just before the championship run came to Motown.
In recent years Burr had served as the Red Wings Alumni Association president. George Malik of Kukla's Korner had a tremendous ode to Burr. Burr had founded the Shawn Burr Foundation, which is committed to supporting blood cancer research.