Will Zdeno Chara Officially Retire After His Last Game Against The Tampa Bay Lightning?
Zdeno Chara may have unofficially ended his career with a goal on one of the best in the league, Andrei Vasilevsky.
Chara began his career with the Islanders after being selected 56th overall in the 3rd round, in 1996!
During his first four years in the league, he was deployed as a defensive defenseman, with no two-way deployment, despite an excellent slapshot. Being 6'9" led to his intimidation factor and the devastating hits helped bolster his reputation.
It wasn't until the move to Ottawa in 2001 that he developed his offensive prowess and became known as a reliable player. However, it wasn't until 2006 that he was signed to Boston during free agency, where he would build his storied career.
He would end up winning the coveted Norris Trophy in 2008-2009 and in the same year, earn a spot on the All-Star game roster. In 2010-2011, he would help push Boston along to a Stanley Cup win over the Canucks. By 2016-2017, he would be the top-pairing defenseman for the Bruins.
After a Cup run stymied by the Blues in 2019, he would stay with the Bruins one more year until 2020, when he signed a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals.
It is being speculated right now that last night was his unofficial last game and it is fitting to end it where he started. Chara had a legendary run, being in the NHL for 16 years.
