Boston Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara is now 40-years-old, but he remains the center of the Black and Gold defense. This is true because even with younger talented players coming in, Chara is the player they look up to for guidance as they start their road to becoming NHL stars.
Chara’s long-term contract comes to an end after this season, but the Boston Bruins are interested in keeping this veteran leader around despite his advanced age.
“I’ve had talks with Zee, our indications are, as he has indicated, he would like to continue to play hockey,” said Sweeney. “We would like to continue to have him as a part of the Boston Bruins. So we will monitor that as we go through camp and as we go through the start of the season and have continuous talks.
“It’s important for him to understand that we are in his court in that regard.”
Chara confirmed that he had talked to Sweeney and also reiterates his interest in continuing his career with the B’s/
“We reached out and had brief talks,” Chara confirmed. “The interest is on both sides.”
Chara is the second oldest player in the NHL at the moment with Jagr still unsigned. Visually he looked solid last season and even seemed better than he had the previous season. In 2017 he scored 10 goals and 29 points in 75 games for Boston. He averaged 23:19 ATOI which is the lowest he has actually recorded as a member of the Boston Bruins.
He will enter his 12th season with the Bruins this upcoming season and will likely remain option A for the Bruins coaching staff. He will play top minutes once again and be a mentor to Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo.
Chara turns 41 in March and signing him would mean having a player on the roster at age 42 in the following season. But if he is still effective it makes sense to extend him as a veteran leader.
In terms of a timetable, there is none when discussing a contract extension.
“There’s no timetable to have those discussions,” Sweeney, who just wrapped up an exhausting and lengthy contract negotiation with restricted free agent David Pastrnak, offered. “I think he wants to play, he can do it, he’s an impactful player, and hopefully we can look forward to having him while he monitors how long he wants to play.”