Zdeno Chara retirement appears imminent
Zdeno Chara has had a Hall of Fame worthy career, but it appears as "Big Z" as he is affectionately known is nearing the end of his illustrious career.
Chara has always been an imposing figure, standing 6'9 and weighing 265 pounds, Chara always had a size advantage. He used that size advantage to give himself a physical advantage wherever possible. But he also used that size to give himself a distinctive advantage in other areas, Chara still holds the record for the NHL`s hardest shot (108.8 MPH). Chara was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders, the team he will finish his career with.
Chara would only play 4 seasons with the Islanders before he traded to the Ottawa Senators, where he would play 4 more seasons. Chara would then move onto the Boston Bruins, where Chara would lead to the Stanley Cup in 2010. Many assumed Chara would retire a Bruin, but Chara wasn't given an offer when his contract expired. Chara spent last season with the Washington Capitals, before his career came full circle this year.
Chara will finish his Hall of Fame career with 1678 games played, in which he scored 208 goals and 471 assists.
After last night's game Zdeno Chara went out of his way to shake every member of the officiating crew's hands, which likely signifies the end if Chara's pro career with just one game remaining.
| POLL | ||
Will Boston Retire Chara's number? | ||
| Yes | 135 | 65.9 % |
| No | 70 | 34.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
