BREAKING: Bruins legend possibly retiring after this season
A true Boston Bruins legend may have played his final game in the NHL.
The Czechoslovakian was drafted way back in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders in the third round at 56th overall. Zdeno Chara spent 14 seasons with the Boston Bruins and was team captain for every one of them.
Chara returned to the Islanders at the start of the 2021-22 season, possibly ending his career where it began. With New York out of playoff contention, last night's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning may have been the last of his illustrious career. If it was his last NHL game, he made sure to go out in style.
Check out what could be the final moments of Zdeno Chara's career:
It was a true show of class by the Tampa Bay Lightning after they stayed on the ice to shake Chara's hand. Although he hasn't officially stated that he is retiring, there's no doubt the 45-year-old is nearing the end of his playing days.
In 14 seasons with the Bruins, he appeared in 1,023 games, amassed 148 goals, 333 assists, 481 points and 1,055 penalty minutes. Big Z captained the Boston Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup and won the Norris Trophy for the top defenseman in the league in 2009.
In a career that spanned over 24 years and 1,680 games, if this was Chara's last NHL game, the league is losing a true living legend who will always be remembered as a Boston Bruin.
NHL players in this story
Zdeno Chara
