Washington Capitals sign Zdeno Chara
In a shocking announcement on Wednesday afternoon, Zdeno Chara officially signed with the Washington Capitals after spending the last 14 seasons playing for the Boston Bruins. The former Bruins’ captain had been with the club since the 2006-07 season, but he revealed that the team had informed him of their intentions to move on without him in a post on Instagram.
“My family and I have been so fortunate to call the great city of Boston our home for over 14 years,” said Chara. “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.”
The 43-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Capitals worth $795,000. Chara was an unrestricted free agent and could sign anywhere he wanted. The Capitals are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and provide the veteran with a realistic opportunity to win the league’s ultimate prize for the second time in his career. He lifted the Stanley Cup as a member of the Bruins in 2011.
“I want to first of all thank the passionate and loyal Bruins fans, who shared the ups and downs of each season over the past 14 years,” Chara continued in his post. “I’m proud that we were able to return the Stanley Cup to Boston and celebrating with all of you, in Boston, New England, and around the world, was a moment I will never forget. You all have treated my family and me as one of your own and I will always be grateful. Thank you.”
Washington topped the Metropolitan Division during the shortened regular season, finishing the campaign with 90 points after 69 games played. They disappointed in the playoffs though, losing in five games in the first round to the New York Islanders. The Capitals are hoping that Chara’s experience and leadership will help the team lift their second Stanley Cup in four seasons.
“We are extremely pleased to have Zdeno join the Capitals organization,” said senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan said in a team statement. “We feel his experience and leadership will strengthen our blue line and our team.”
Chara played a total of 1023 games with the Bruins, scoring 148 goals and providing 333 assists during that time. He won a Norris Trophy in 2009 as the top defenseman in the National Hockey League.
“My family and I will always cherish the strong friendships and connections we made here. From the beginning in 2006, we have been embraced by this community and made to feel welcome,” Chara continued. “We will always be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the community and for the people who always supported me and my family.”
“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.”
The Capitals have already been busy making changes this offseason, hiring Peter Laviolette as the team’s new head coach following the team’s poor playoff performance. It remains to be seen how the coach plans to use his new acquisition.
