Sports

Zdeno Chara announces he’s leaving Bruins in Instagram post, will sign with Washington

By David Souza, Boston 25 News

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) celebrates his goal during the first period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, in Buffalo N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

By David Souza, Boston 25 News

BOSTON — Former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara announced on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon that he will be leaving the club after 14 seasons with the Bruins. Chara has been a member of the team since signing as a free agent in the 2006 offseason. Since his first game in Boston, he has served as captain and defensive anchor for the franchise for the last 14 years – the second-longest tenure as team captain in club history.

The 22-year veteran of the NHL posted on Wednesday thanking Boston and Bruins fans for their support and loyalty during his near-decade-and-a-half of service with the team.

“Recently, The Boston Bruins have informed me that they plan to move forward with their many younger and talented players and I respect their decision. Unfortunately, my time as the proud Captain of the Bruins has come to an end,” Chara wrote in the caption of the post.

As a member of the Bruins, Chara captained three teams that made it to the Stanley Cup Final, with the 2011 squad capturing the team’s first championship since the spring of 1972.

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“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. ‘Thank you’ does not seem adequate to express my sincere gratitude. I will always be a Bruin. I will always love Boston,” he surmised in his farewell post to the team and the city on Wednesday.

While Chara did not say where he would play this upcoming season, the Washington Capitals announced shortly after his goodbye post that the former Bruin would be signing in the nation’s capital. Chara will play in D.C. after signing a 1-year deal worth $795,000.

Ken Campbell of The Hockey News was first to report that signing on Wednesday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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