Sports

Zdeno Chara signs 1-year extension with Bruins

By David Souza

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 19: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins fights with Matt Martin #17 of the New York Islanders during their game at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 19, 2019 in Uniondale, New York.

By David Souza

BOSTON — Bruins defenseman, and captain, Zdeno Chara has signed a one-year extension with Boston worth $2 million in base salary, according to an official release from the team. The contract also allows the 42-year-old defenseman to earn an additional $1.75 million in performance-based incentives next season.

Chara is currently in the midst of his 13th season with the Bruins and 21st in the NHL overall. The second oldest player in the league, Chara turned 42 on March 18. This season, Chara has recorded 11 points in 55 games and is a +16.

Out of 35 Bruins skaters this season, Chara has averaged the third highest time-on-ice per game at just under 21 minutes. He trails only Charlie McAvoy and Torey Krug - both of whom appear on Boston's powerplay units.

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In all 13 years as a Boston blue liner, Chara has worn the "C" for the Bruins - making him the longest tenured captain in the NHL and the second longest tenured captain in Bruins history behind only Ray Bourque.

The defenseman will be playing on his second consecutive one-year deal with the Bruins when he laces his skates up for the first time in the 2019-2020 season. Chara currently plays on a one-year contract after his previous seven-year deal expired at the end of the 2017-2018 season. This latest extension mirrors that of last year, when Chara inked a one-year, $5 million deal on March 28, 2018.

In 13 seasons with Boston, Chara has finished in the top two of Norris Trophy voting five times, winning the award for the league's best defenseman twice (2008-09, 2013-14). In 2010-2011, Chara led the Bruins as they captured the franchise's sixth Stanley Cup.

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If the Bruins qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs this spring, they will have reached the postseason in 10 of Chara's 13 seasons in Boston.

The Bruins are currently tied for the second most points in the entire NHL with eight games remaining in the regular season.

Cox Media Group

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