Boston Bruins: Why Zdeno Chara not returning might not be that bad

If Zdeno Chara decides not to come back to the Bruins, why is it not bad news for Boston?

For 14 years, Zdeno Chara has been a fixture on the Boston Bruins blue line. At 43 years old, Chara is still an intimidating figure at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds.

Has he lost a little bit in his game? Yes. That happens when you’re approaching your mid-40’s in an extremely contact sport. But rest assured, he still has the desire to play and he can still be effective.

But the questions must be asked, just how effective can he be?

At this point in his 22-year career, he would most likely be a third defensive pairing. The Bruins have some young defensemen that are NHL ready, but if Chara returns for year No. 15 in Boston, is that what is best for the team?

After the career that he has had, the Bruins are going to let their captain make the call if he is to return. If he decides to walk away, it might not be the worst thing for Bruins’ general manager Don Sweeney.

Chara is not going to demand a high-paying contract, but what does happen if Big Z leaves is it gives the young defensive players a chance to gain valuable experience and playing time in what is most likely a shortened 2020-21 NHL season.

The likelihood of the NHL being able to cram 82 games into a schedule should be out of the question. For the second straight season, the league is at looking a shortened regular-season because of the coronavirus. There have been several rumors being floated around, but don’t be surprised to see a season that consists of between 40-60 games.

If that’s the case, then that is the perfect scenario for the Bruins to go with the young defensemen to gain experience. Losing Torey Krug is a devastating blow to the blue line and losing Chara’s leadership on and off the ice would be a blow as well.

However, with Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo and Matt Grzelcyk having success already under their belt in the NHL, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019, they are ready to lead the unit in a passing of the torch season.

Kevan Miller was re-signed to a one-year deal in October and Connor Clifton is still under contract. Would it hurt the Bruins to give Chara’s minutes each night to some of the young prospects that have shown promise? Jakub Zboril, Urho Vaakanainen and Jeremy Lauzon could benefit from valuable minutes in a shortened season as Boston plans ahead for the future and the hope of an 82-game season returning in 2021-22.

Chara deserves that time to decide if he’s going to return for another shot at the Stanley Cup with the Black and Gold, but if he doesn’t decide to return, it might not be the worst decision for the Bruins and their defensive prospects.