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Zdeno Chara is calling it a career, and he’s doing it as a member of the Boston Bruins.
Chara announced via Instagram on Tuesday that he’s retiring from pro hockey after 25 years and signing a one-day contract with the Bruins to cap his career. Chara played 1,023 of his 1,680 career NHL games with Boston, as well as 943 of 1,070 career playoff games.
The 45-year-old defenseman also thanked the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Washington Capitals, who rostered him at different points in his career. But Chara will of course be best remembered as a Bruin, especially as a Stanley Cup champion in 2011.
“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’s Instagram posts reads, in part. “There are so many people that have helped contribute to my success, including all of you, and I look forward to properly thanking everyone this afternoon.”
Chara recently visited the Bruins in Boston, as they got ready for the start of training camp and the preseason ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Rumors swelled that Chara could be re-signing with the Bruins to play one more season. Instead, he’s walking away after a nice, round quarter-century at the highest level.
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You can be sure to hear more about Chara on the next episode of the Sports Hub Underground podcast, co-hosted by Ty Anderson and me. Listen above for the latest episode, which focuses on the Bruins at camp.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster 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? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
