Big Z to D.C.
Zdeno Chara is set to join the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov as the six-foot-nine Prince George Cougars alumnus has signed a contract with the Washington Capitals.
The Slovakian defenceman signed a one-year deal worth $795,000 after 14 years in Boston, noting on social media today (Dec. 30) that the Bruins told him they’re moving forward with ‘many younger and talented players’ for its future.
“As I begin this next chapter, I want the people of Boston to know how proud I was to be a Bruin and how grateful I am for all of the support over the years,” said Chara.
“‘Thank you’ does not seem adequate to express my sincere gratitude. I will always be a Bruin. I will always love Boston.”
Having already played 1,553 NHL games, the sixth-most in league history by a blue-liner, the Caps will be Chara’s fourth franchise since graduating from Prince George in 1997.
With the Cougars, the now 43-year-old played 49 games and recorded 22 points in the process, including 120 penalty minutes, in addition to eight points in 15 playoff contests.
— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) December 30, 2020
Fast forward to a few days before 2021, Chara will spend his 23rd career NHL season with a team who won the Stanley Cup in 2018, which included Prince George product Brett Connolly, and is looking to bounce back for the shortened year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are extremely pleased to have Zdeno join the Capitals organization," said Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan in a news release.
"We feel his experience and leadership will strengthen our blueline and our team."
Chara was given Boston’s ‘C’ before taking the ice in his first year with the Bruins in 2006, and was the longest-tenured captain prior to today’s signing.
He became the second Prince George Cougar to ever win the Stanley Cup in 2011, beating Vancouver in seven games and contributing nine points in those 24 playoff games.
In total, Chara has tallied 656 points between three NHL teams; New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators and Boston.
Last year, he registered just 14 points in 68 games with the Bruins.
