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Analyzing Rumors That 3 New NHL Teams Are Interested In Zdeno Chara

There are three teams rumored to be interested in the services of NHL defenseman Zdeno Chara. What if the Bruins can’t work out a deal?

We’ll preface this next post by suggesting we’re not sure how any of the teams rumored to be showing interest in Zdeno Chara will make it work financially, but it’s an interesting report nonetheless and stranger things have already happened in the NHL this offseason.

Related: Maple Leafs Done Making Offseason Moves, Including No PTOs

There’s news coming down from NHL scribe Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now who writes that the veteran defenseman and the Boston Bruins aren’t close on a new contract extension. He hints that any discussions the two sides might have had suggest they are “far apart” on a new deal, but mostly, it’s because Chara is in no rush. The veteran defenseman is waiting to see what the format is on the 2020-21 NHL season before committing to playing another season.

But, perhaps it’s not the fact that the Bruins and Chara may have a tougher time than people think in getting a new deal done. Murphy adds that ‘more than three teams’ have shown some interest in Chara’s services, throwing a bit of a wrench into the idea that Chara and the Bruins will eventually get done, as most people think.

Those three teams, according to sources, are the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs.

How Do Any of These Teams Have Room?

First, there are other reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are done this offseason. While the door is not totally closed, it is expected GM Kyle Dubas is not planning to add anywhere else.

Second, the New York Islanders are rumored to have three contracts verbally done, but not officially signed — Matt Martin, Andy Green and Cory Schneider — because they are waiting to solve their not-so minor deal with Mathew Barzal.

Finally, the Tampa Bay Lightning might be in worse cap shape than any other NHL franchise. They badly need to shed salary to ice a full roster so it would be hard to imagine they’re even remotely considering adding more players via free agency.

Of course, once these teams settle their own issues, there could be space to add a veteran on a low-cost contract. That said, this would assume Chara is looking to leave the Bruins. There’s really no indication that’s the case.

Next: Bruins Cassidy Updates Tuukka Rask Status, Both Sides to Move Forward

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