The Boston Bruins have announced today that they signed defenceman Zdeno Chara to a contract extension. It’s a one-year contract extension through the 2019-2020 season worth $2 million, plus an additional $1.75 million in performance-based incentives, as per team’s release. Chara was set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer before extending his contract with the Bruins.
#NHLBruins sign Zdeno Chara to 1-year contract extension: https://t.co/2F7qIsO6Gs pic.twitter.com/cNYY3DqMA1
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) 23. marca 2019
Boston Bruins Extend Captain Zdeno Chara
Zdeno Chara has been the Boston Bruins captain for 13 seasons now. He originally came to Boston via free agency in 2006. He was drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round (56th overall) of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. Chara, playing in his 21st NHL season, has collected four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 55 games.
The Slovakia native ranks sixth in franchise history in games played with 948, and fourth in points by a defenseman with 452 behind Hall of Famers like Ray Bourque (1,506), Bobby Orr (888), and Dit Clapper (474). During his 12 seasons in Boston, Chara has led the Bruins to the playoffs in nine occasions. The Bruins will make the playoffs this year as well, they can clinch the playoff berth later tonight.
Zdeno Chara Still Valuable For The Bruins
Just a few days ago, Chara celebrated his 42nd birthday. However, he is still very valuable for the Bruins. The 42-year-old defenceman plays regularly on the first defensive pair with Charlie McAvoy, who is younger by 21 years. Chara is currently signed a one-year deal worth $5 million per season.
Looking at the Bruins and their tough offseason situation with pending restricted free agents like Brandon Carlo, Charlie McAvoy, Danton Heinen or Peter Cehlarik, this extension seems like a very good deal after all for the Bruins. Chara is still eager to play even though he will be 43-year-old by the time his next contract ends.
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