BOSTON, MA – APRIL 08: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the second period against the Florida Panthers at TD Garden on April 8, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Zdeno Chara was supposed to practice in a red non-contact jersey for the Bruins on Wednesday. He did not. Because he’s just so severely massive.
Per the Bruins Twitter account, head coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters after Wednesday’s practice that Chara returned to the ice in a non-contact capacity. The only reason he didn’t wear the usual red non-contact jersey is because he’s 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds and they don’t make those jerseys in that size.
#NHLBruins updates per Bruce Cassidy:
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 19, 2018
Patrice Bergeron: no definitive timeline. “Don’t think he’ll play tomorrow. Potential to play this weekend.”
Zdeno Chara: Still non-contact. Should have been in red sweater, but none fit him. pic.twitter.com/mLjNZuu93j
Chara joined winger Jake DeBrusk and defenseman Urho Vaakanainen (both concussions) as the players who practiced without contact on Wednesday. The Bruins also got Patrice Bergeron (sternoclavicular) and Kevan Miller (throat) back on Wednesday.
Cassidy added that Bergeron won’t play on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks at TD Garden, but has a chance to play on Saturday against the Nashville Predators or Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes. There’s still no timetable for a return for Chara, who’s working his way back from an MCL injury suffered on Nov. 14 against the Colorado Avalanche.
Bit of a letdown that Chara is not as close to returning as he physically appeared at practice. But also a little amusing that he’s too huge to wear any non-contact sweaters right now.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.