Defenseman Zdeno Chara, who helped captain the Boston Bruins to their sixth Stanley Cup back in 2011, has announced he is retiring Tuesday from the NHL after 24 seasons.
Chara announced his decision on Instagram, and said he signed a one day contract with Boston so that he could retire as a Bruin. The 45 year old finished with 209 goals and 471 assists in 1,680 career games with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston, and Washington Capitals, before resigning with the Islanders for his final pro seaaon last year. He had 481 of his 680 points in 14 seasons with Boston. In 2008-2009, he won the Norris Trophy with the B’s (19 goals, 31 assists) registering more than 26 minutes of ice time in 80 games played. He also finished eighth that season in the Hart Trophy voting. He held lead the Bruins to the 2010-11 Stanley Cup in a thrilling seven game series over Vancouver, the first Cup for the city in 39 years. Chara won the Mark Messier Leadership Award for his play that year.
“I am honored to return to TD Garden today to sign a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins, and officially finish my career with the team that has meant so much to me and my family,” Chara wrote.
