Is Zdeno Chara Still a Player? If So, For Whom?

[TropicalFruitGirl26]

 

 

Big Z still wants to keep playing even at age 44.
Frankly, with the fantastic condition he keeps himself in, he probably could keep playing, and be effective in the right role, for either a contender, or a rebuilding team with a definite upward trajectory.

Sure, we all know he isn't the same Chara that was at his best as a Boston Bruin, but apparently, there is still interest in a man who is 6'7 250-260 pounds or so (depending on what he ate that day  ), can still skate (and his massive wingspan makes up for whatever his footspeed lacks), is still a smart player, understands 'defense first' for himself now more than ever, AND, is still an intimidating presence on the ice.

He has been linked to teams such as the Kings and more recently, the St. Louis Blues, but Chara says, if he continues to play, he'd like to be as close to his family still in Boston as possible.
So that basically rules out all Western Conference teams.

Fortunately for him though, there are a few interesting Eastern team options for him, two of which I believe, can not only offer him a chance to get into the post season, but perhaps even give him one more shot at a Cup: the Carolina Hurricanes (if they haven't completely screwed up their team chemistry from last season with their departures) and, perhaps go back to where his career started, the New York Islanders.

New Jersey, Detroit, maybe even Columbus could also be closer to home options, though he would serve more a mentor role there on teams with likely no real shot at the playoffs, much less win a Cup.

Honestly, if it were possible, even at age 44 (45 when the playoffs would start), I wouldn't mind Chara as a 3rd pair defenseman on either the Wild or Lightning.
Lightning are not only cap strapped, but not really close to his Boston home, and the Wild, well, they've got their own cap issues and are in the West where Big Z doesn't want to be anyways.

So, we will see if Chara gets to play on with his career, or if a team that he wouldn't mind playing for doesn't come calling, if he decides family over sport and calls it a career.
If he does that, a fine career it has been and he will always have his Bruin Stanley Cup ring.

Edited August 21, 2021 by TropicalFruitGirl26

[Math]

I'd say he would perfectly fit in the Stars line-up. Still a bit too young though.

[TropicalFruitGirl26]

2 minutes ago, Math said:

I'd say he would perfectly fit in the Stars line-up. Still a bit too young though.

 

All jesting aside, I was thinking he would fit in with Dallas' defensive helmet style they play (which REALLY needs to change!), but again, he doesn't want to be out West.

But I like your take better.
Chara can see the Dallas FO when he grows up a bit more.