The Washington Capitals have made another splash. Welcome, Zdeno Chara.
The Washington Capitals have signed Zdeno Chara to a one year deal worth $795,000. This news came moments after the Boston Bruins told Chara they were moving on from him and focusing on developing their young defensemen. Chara is 43 and will turn 44 in March, making the Caps entering 2021 as the oldest team.
Last season Chara recorded 14 points with five goals and nine assists in 68 games with the Bruins. Hailing from Trencin, Slovakia, Chara registered 3:11 of penalty kill time per game to rank 11th in the NHL. This propelled the Bruins to the third best penalty kill percentage last season at 84.3 percent.
Chara also ranked second among Bruins defensemen in blocked shots with 101. Brian MacLellan said in a press release from the Caps:
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"“We are extremely pleased to have Zdeno join the Capitals organization. We feel his experience and leadership will strengthen our blueline and our team.”"
Chara was originally drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round at 56th overall in the 1996 NHL Draft. Prior to joining the Caps, Chara was the longest tenured team captain in the league. He has worn the C patch for the Boston Bruins since his first season there in 2006-07.
Chara is a big dude. He is six foot nine and weighs 250 pounds. He’s the tallest player to play in the NHL. He is entering his 23rd season. Among active NHL players, Chara is first in the league in plus/minus with a +288. He also ranks first in time on ice (37,128:55), and penalty minutes (1,956).
Additionally, Chara is third in games played (1,553) and ninth in shots (3,271). He’s one of six Bruins to appear in at least 1,000 games with 1,023 and his 481 points (148 goals and 333 assists) rank third among Bruins defensemen in franchise history behind Hall of Famers Ray Bourque (1,506) and Bobby Orr (888).
The biggest question now is where Chara will fit in the lineup in an already crowded blue line. Thanks to the taxi squad, rosters and depth charts will actually be a little bigger than in years past. But Chara without a doubt is an experienced blueliner and even a Stanley Cup champion. His experience will only help the team.
This also sets up an interesting storyline for when the Caps play the Bruins which will be eight times beginning on Jan. 30 at Capital One Arena. The fact he is staying in the division is something else.