Zdeno Chara excited for opportunity with Capitals, even with ‘no guarantees’

If Zdeno Chara had felt any hesitation about going on the ice or completing training exercises this offseason, he vowed to be honest with himself. After 22 seasons in the NHL, the 43-year-old defenseman figured hesitation would be a sign he needed to hang up his skates.

But those feelings never appeared. He still loves his time on the ice and his early morning work out, even after all these years.

“To me, that was an indication that I still have lots of gas left,” Chara said, “and I still want to go out there and do my thing.”

But the Bruins, the team Chara played with for 14 seasons, saw this offseason as an opportunity to shepherd in change, focusing on players with more time in front of them than behind. During conversations with Boston, Chara understood he would be relegated to a reserve role on the team he captained for a long time if he re-signed.

On Thursday, during his virtual introductory press conference, Chara made clear he had no issue with the offer or how general manager Don Sweeney negotiated a potential deal. But Chara emphasized the opportunity to join the Capitals was one he didn’t want to miss, even though “nothing is guaranteed in Washington.”

“I just felt that what was presented to me, and what conditions were attached to it, I just felt that I more to offer,” Chara said. “And I respected their decisions and wish them the best. But I just felt that I can still play regularly and play the games. I have no issues with them going a different direction. I just felt for me, at this point in my career, it’s better if I continue to play.”

For the last 14 seasons, Chara has been a fixture for the Bruins. The long-time captain was an integral part in Boston’s 2011 Stanley Cup title, and he brought the team back to the finals in 2013 and 2019. Over his 22-year career, which includes stops with the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators, Chara displayed his gritty defensive ability.

At 6-foot-9, he’s the tallest player to ever play in the league. He has logged the third-most games played among active NHL players, and his 1,956 penalty minutes rank first. Last season, Chara still recorded 14 points in 68 games, averaging 3:11 of penalty kill time per game.

Chara said the details of his one-year Capitals contract were worked out between his agent and general manager Brian MacLellan, but he has spoken with coach Peter Laviolette already.

And while it’s too early to figure exactly where Chara will fit into the team, he provides another depth piece in defense, especially after Washington lost Michal Kempny to Achilles surgery in October.

“That’s something that will need to be probably figured out in training camp or even early in the season,” Chara said. “I don’t have all the answers, but I can tell you, I always take a lot of pride in my defensive game.”

Chara has already moved to the D.C. area and is currently observing the NHL’s mandatory quarantine period. He didn’t say if he would be cleared by the time camp opens Jan. 3, but Chara is excited for a new challenge.

He looks forward to playing with Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin rather than against him for once, and he’s already spoken with some of his new teammates. He’ll be the newcomer on a team for the first time since 2006.

“It’s definitely something I haven’t experienced in some time,” Chara said. “From what I’ve heard from the conversations I’ve already had with some of my teammates, it’s a great group of guys. Very, very motivated. And, yeah, can’t wait to join them.”

Chara will also have the opportunity to face Boston eight times in the regular season. As part of an altered season due to the coronavirus pandemic, Washington will play the seven other East Division teams eight times during the regular season.

For so much of Chara’s career, he’s changed along with the sport, finding a new edge even deep into his career. Now with the Capitals, Chara’s scenery changes, too. But he wants to keep playing, and Washington is giving him that chance.

“I definitely see a new opportunity, new challenges,” Chara said. “Like I said, there are no guarantees. We all have to compete, and play our best, and the most important thing is to win games as a team.”