Former NHL player disrespects Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara

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Ryan Hall
August 3, 2024 (5:48 PM)

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A recent report from ESPN showing the 100 best athletes of the 21st century sent NHL Jordan Schmaltz to the X platform saying that Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith should have been ranked higher than Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara.

Duncan Keith was better than Chara and EK65. 3 mugs. 1 Conne Smitty. 28:11 average TOI in 2010 SC Playoffs. 27:27 in 2013. 31:07 in 2015. Should be ranked inside the top 10-15 easy. 2nd best D-Man of this era behind Nicky Lid. Guy doesn't get enough credit how big of a machine he was." Schmaltz tweeted.

This statement drew some backlash towards Schmaltz especially from Bruins fans as many felt that Chara was where he was supposed to be. Schmaltz then tweeted again to try to calm the waters and give more balance to his statements.

For those who have opinions and takes vouching for their respective players in this case (Big Z and EK65) that's fine. Those guys are world class generational athletes in their own right. I'm not here to tell you they aren't HOF'ers. And honestly it's close with all 3."

"I'm simply saying, Duncan Keith had the heart of a lion and a mindset of a born killer. Kobe like. A dude that would rip your heart out with a butter knife and smile while doing so. EK65 doesn't even remotely come close to matching his competitive drive. And I don't think even on those Chicago teams with Karlsson as your #1 defenseman they win any of those cups."

During his tenure with the Bruins he won the Stanley Cup in 2011 and went to several Stanley Cup finals throughout his time in Beantown. He was beloved by fans and still to this day he lives in Boston with his family.

Source : Sportskeeda.com

"Duncan Keith was better": Zdeno Chara and $92M Pens D-man's ESPN rankings contradicted by ex-NHLer Jordan Schmaltz