Zdeno Chara is heading to D.C. David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

Zdeno Chara parts ways with Bruins, signs with Capitals

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/30/20

For the first time since July 2006, defenseman Zdeno Chara isn't a member of the Boston Bruins.

The 6-foot-9 future Hall of Famer announced via Instagram that the Bruins decided to part ways with their captain and "move forward with their many younger and talented players" heading into the upcoming season. As a result, the veteran, who entered the league via the 1996 NHL Entry Draft and who turns 44 years old in March, has put pen to paper on a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals.

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Per an official Capitals statement, the deal is worth $795,000.

A seven-time All-Star who won the Norris Trophy in 2009 and hoisted the Stanley Cup with Boston in 2011, Chara explained in September that he wanted to retire as a member of the Bruins. "I have no plans to move or go anywhere else," he said. "We will see what the future holds."

The future held a move to the Capitals, an organization that referred to Chara as a "living legend" in its press release. "We are extremely pleased to have Zdeno join the Capitals organization," Washington senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan said. "We feel his experience and leadership will strengthen our blueline and our team."

Throughout his 14 regular seasons with the Bruins, Chara recorded 148 goals and 333 assists for 481 points. He tallied five goals and nine assists during the 2019-20 campaign and, per the Capitals, was second among Bruins defensemen with 101 blocked shots.

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