Bruins’ Chara Not Ready to Retire Just Yet

Boston Bruins’ defenseman Zdeno Chara sat down with the hosts of Hockey Night in Canada After Hours and talked a number of issues, among them rumors surrounding his potential retirement.

There’s been a lot of talk in the NHL when it comes to older players trying to manage through this pause in the season. For some, it could bring on early retirement. For Chara, he’s not quite ready to go there yet.

This isn’t to say he won’t retire, only that he’s got other things on his mind first.

Chara said he’s still in the group of hopefuls that this season somehow resumes. Whether that be the regular season or shortened playoffs scenario, he and the Boston Bruins want a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup. After that, he’s not getting too far ahead of himself.

Speaking with Scott Oake and Louie Debrusk on the Sportsnet broadcast After Hours, Chara said, “I’m still in the present and I still believe that we’re going to play some sort of hockey this season.” He added:

“That’s where I’m at. I’m not getting too ahead of myself. Obviously I still love the game, I still love going out there and competing, and if everything is right I still want to play.”

What Is Chara Worth?

Should Chara want to keep playing, it’s fair to ask the question of what he’s worth. This is especially important when you consider that the NHL, and many of the teams within it, will be facing tough financial decisions. The Bruins are among those teams that will have to decide where to spend money that isn’t going to come in abundance.

And, when you consider keeping Chara might mean losing Torey Krug, it’s not exactly a slam dunk choice.

He currently makes $2 million. Another year around the same amount should be expected, especially when you factor in what he provides for that money.

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