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Is There Anything to Berger’s Chara and Maple Leafs Idea?

One NHL scribe has suggested that Zdeno Chara would make for a perfect fit with Toronto Maple Leafs. Is there anything to that idea?

As far as news surrounding Zdeno Chara back to the Boston Bruins goes, there’s not a lot to talk about. The latest reports suggest that Chara is being patient, hasn’t made up his mind and the Bruins are simply waiting on a decision. That, of course, leaves a ton of time and open air for media and fans to speculate that there’s more going on than meets the eye.

Related: Mitch Marner, Your Role on the Maple Leafs Has Changed

Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now recently noted that the Bruins are preparing for the possibility Chara won’t be back next season. He quotes Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy who said, “If ‘Zee’ ends up in another uniform, then we have to rely on these young guys.” He added, “..it’s a privilege to coach them but then people change, there’s trades and then you move on and then you gotta worry about the next guy.”

Bruins GM Don Sweeney isn’t as ready to move on. He noted he’s had talks with Chara’s agent and has communicated consistently that he’d like the defenseman back. But, he said, “We’re just waiting for him to initiate what he’d like to do moving forward.”

While Sweeney noted he’s comfortable letting Chara take the time he needs and “make his own decisions along that route,” some media and NHL scribes are getting their own ideas.

Toronto Maple Leafs reporter Howard Berger of The FAN 590 radio suggests Chara would be a good fit with the Maple Leafs. They team has gone the direciton of signing veterans this season, re-inking Jason Spezza and adding Joe Thornton and Wayne Simmonds to the group. A team that has been looking to make improvements on the blue line, Chara would certainly be an interesting addition.

Zdeno Chara Boston Bruins

Why the Leafs Would Be Interested

Berger’s wrote in a recent column:

Though it’s true the Leafs are looking for a cheaper alternative to Alex Kerfoot ($3.5 million against the cap) as No. 3 center — and Thornton would likely fill the role rather well for one season — I suspect that Chara would have a greater impact on the club. Why? Because he’s Zdeno freakin’ Chara!

Noting that Chara is slower and not as effective as he used to be, he can still move and play bigger minutes. He’s loaded with experience, wisdom and leadership that the Leafs would find invaluable and the draw and allure of adding Chara would almost be too appealing to ignore.

Berger adds that the Leafs have employed a soft and permissive blue line for years. Neither Jake Muzzin or Zach Bogosian possess much sandpaper in their game and having Chara on the ice would give the younger players all the confidence in the world to march into battle with the NHL’s biggest and best solider on their side.

Would Chara Bite?

Berger’s suggestion is nothing more than pure speculation. There’s no reason to think that the Maple Leafs and Chara’s camp have actually spoken, other than to note that Chara’s reps have publicly said the defenseman is keeping his options open.

But, after Thornton left San Jose, it’s impossible to rule out the idea that another player with the same kind of history with an organization wouldn’t consider a new start near the end of his career.

Next: Will Torey Krug Live up to Expectations in St. Louis?

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