Longtime Boston captain Zdeno Chara signs 1-day contract, retires as a Bruin

BOSTON — Longtime Boston captain Zdeno Chara signed a one-day contract on Tuesday and officially retired from the National Hockey League as a Bruin.

In an Instagram post, the defensive stalwart wrote, “I am proud to announce my decision to retire from the National Hockey League. In doing so, 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 spent 25 seasons in the NHL and played a total of 1,680 games with the Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, and Washington Capitals. He ranks sixth in Bruins history with 1,023 games played.

The 45-year-old native of Slovakia called Boston home for 14 seasons. In 2011, he became the first Bruins captain to bring a Stanley Cup home to Boston since 1972.

Chara would make two more trips to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2013 and 2019 and finished his career with totals of 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 points in 200 playoff games

In a tweet, the Bruins wrote, “Zdeno, your arrival in Boston kickstarted an era to remember. Your unparalleled leadership, commitment, and character shaped a culture that will carry on. Thank you for everything you have done for our team, our organization, our city, and our game. Congratulations, Big Zee!”

Chara left Boston following the 2019-2020 season and spent the following two years with the Capitals and Islanders.

He thanked the fans of Boston, writing, “There are so many people that have helped contribute to my success, including all of you.”

Zdeno, your arrival in Boston kickstarted an era to remember. Your unparalleled leadership, commitment, and character shaped a culture that will carry on.

Thank you for everything you have done for our team, our organization, our city, and our game.

Congratulations, Big Zee! pic.twitter.com/eaMNnx4K6V
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 20, 2022