Zdeno Chara Signs with the Washington Capitals

After 14 years as the captain of the Boston Bruins, Zdeno Chara has inked a one-year, $795,000 contract with the Washington Capitals.

The future Hall of Famer signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract with the Bruins on the first day of free agency in 2006 and maintained the captaincy from that day through the 2019–20 season. In his time as captain, he led Boston to a Stanley Cup victory and was a Norris Trophy finalist five times, winning it once. In his Bruins tenure, he amassed 481 points in 1,023 games and went to the All-Star Game five times.

Chara is best known to hockey fans as the tallest player in NHL history, and the NHL record-holder for hardest shot. To his opponents, he was widely considered the most difficult shutdown defenseman to play against. To his teammates, he was a tough and fearless leader as well as a relentless worker who routinely won the Bruins' yearly fitness competition. To Bruins fans, he was adored as a consummate professional and an active member of the Boston community. In addition, he was revered for his involvement in local charities, such as the Annual PJ Drive and the delivery of Thanksgiving pies.

In recent seasons, despite declining skating skills and limited offensive impact, Chara remained a useful player in shutdown situations and on the penalty kill. His vacancy on the left side of the ice is something the Bruins will have to contend with. His presence off the ice as a leader and a member of the Boston community is something that cannot be replaced.