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Boston Bruins: Zdeno Chara signs with the Washington Capitals

By Scott Roche

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 07: Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Boston Bruins, held on January 7, 2020, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 07: Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Boston Bruins, held on January 7, 2020, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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After 14 years with the Boston Bruins, Zdeno Chara is leaving to play for the Washington Capitals.

The biggest offseason decision around these parts has been made and it’s a stunning one. Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara is leaving after 14 years with the Bruins and going to the Washington Capitals after signing a one-year deal for $795,000 on Wednesday. At 43 years old, Chara’s deal is just over the veteran’s minimum, which is a little surprising. Chara confirmed the signing on his Instagram page shortly after the news broke.

Chara was signed as a free agent in 2006 by the Bruins and was immediately named captain. In his 14 years with the Black and Gold, he played in 1,023 games with 148 goals and 333 assists. He averaged 24:33 minutes a night. Chara had two goals and seven assists in the 2011 playoffs with a plus-16 in 24 games as the Bruins beat the Vancouver Canucks in seven games to capture their first Stanley Cup in 39 years.

Chara’s best days are behind him, but make no mistake, he still was able to impact the other team and when needed, provide shutdown minutes, especially late in games against the opposing teams’ top players.

Chara is the second piece of the Boston defense to leave this offseason. Torey Krug left in October at the beginning of free agency to join the St. Louis Blues. The reality is setting in that the Bruins will be a younger blue line this season. Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Matt Grzelcyk will now be the main faces of the unit. Also, look for prospects Jakub Zboril and Urho Vaakanainen to get an opportunity to make an impact in the NHL this season.

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Bruins fans won’t have to wait long to see Big Z in a Capitals uniform. Boston will play at Washington on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1. The Caps will make their first of two appearances at the TD Garden on March 3 and 5 in a short two-game stay in Boston. With the newly realigned divisions for this season, the Bruins and Capitals will play eight times over the 56-game regular season.

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