Zdeno Chara‘s Hall of Fame career may have ended in Monday’s Game 5 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Boston’s season ended with the 3-2 double-overtime loss and the Bruins captain was asked about his future in his post-game press conference.
“I haven’t made a decision,” Chara said. “Obviously just finished the game and I’m going to be open minded.”
"I haven't made a decision… I'm gonna be open-minded."
Zdeno Chara on returning next season.pic.twitter.com/ysiPC0fslB
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 1, 2020
Chara, 43, was the oldest player in the NHL this season and just completed his 22nd campaign, 14 of which were played in Boston. He was playing on a one-year, $2-million contract this year and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.
Whether this is the end or not, Chara has already solidified his spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame. His 1,553 career games are sixth all-time by a defenceman, his 202 goals are 22nd and his 656 points are 30th. He won the Norris in 2009, was a finalist five other times and led the Bruins to three Stanley Cup Finals, including a win in 2011.
The NHL is targeting early December to begin the next regular season. Chara’s future is just one of many questions the Bruins will need to answer between now and then.
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