Boston Bruins: Zdeno Chara Will Return on One Year Extension

Boston’s longtime captain will continue to wear the spoked B for at least one more season.

Don Sweeney made the right move once again, this time it was signing Bruins captain Zdeno Chara to a one-year extension worth $5 million dollars, plus $1.75 million in performance incentives.  Chara, who was able to become a UFA on July 1, is a critical piece to next years version of the Bruins.  This team is pretty much set up to be contenders for years to come, and bringing back Chara was practically a no-brainer.  He’s been your best defenseman throughout the year, is a valuable presence on and off the ice.

The extension allows this year’s top defense pairing of Chara-McAvoy to carry into next season and gives prospects like Urho Vaakanainen, Wiley Sherman, and other left-handed D-men another year to develop.

On the year, Chara has 7 goals and 16 assists for 23 points, with a plus-26 rating, which is on track for his highest plus/minus rating since the 2011-12 season.  His incredible season is at least in part due to his new plant-based diet he adopted in the offseason.  The “ZC33” Method has Chara feeling faster, stronger and in better shape.  In an article in the Boston Globe back in February, Chara spoke with Fluto Shinzawa, and when talking about his new diet, Chara said “I can tell I’m feeling better,” “I know for a fact I’m playing with a lot more energy and I’m recovering faster.”

Along with his diet helping his on-ice presence, Chara’s off-ice presence is just as important.  This team is very young, and Chara’s leadership is priceless as he can help mentor this young Bruins team by keeping this current team leadership in place.

Next: Boston Bruins Week 25: Playoffs Clinched Edition

Chara’s extension is a win for everyone involved.  The team retains their number 1 defenseman at a good cap hit.  Zdeno Chara gets another big payday and stays with a team that has a legitimate shot to win the Stanley Cup in the next couple years.