NHL News

Zdeno Chara signs with the Capitals

by
Sean Cobourn
December 30, 2020

(Getty Images)

The east division gets even weirder as Zdeno Chara is moving to Washington, DC.

Shockwaves were sent through the NHL this afternoon as Ken Campbell of The Hockey News reported the signing.

I've been told that Zdeno Chara, shockingly, just signed with the Washington Capitals.
— Ken Campbell (@THNKenCampbell) December 30, 2020

Quietly, Zdeno Chara had remained an unrestricted free agent this whole time. Chara said the Bruins informed him that they planned to move forward with their young, talented players.

The 43 year old defenseman had captained the Bruins since 2006, winning the Norris Trophy in 2009 and the Stanley Cup in 2011. Zdeno Chara had 481 points (148 G, 333 A) in 1,023 games with the Bruins.

Despite being 43, Chara might have more to give for this Washington Capitals team.

Zdeno Chara, signing 1x$0.7M with Washington(!?), can still play. He may not be the elite two-way force he used to be but his defensive play has remained strong in the past few seasons. That being said, the playoffs did not go well for him and he's 43. Will be interesting. pic.twitter.com/fcxIvAdPt6
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 30, 2020

The contract will be one year and a $795,000 cap hit.

OFFICIAL! BIG Z TO DC!

The Washington Capitals have agreed to terms with defenseman Zdeno Chara to a one-year, $795,000 contract.

Full Details: https://t.co/1Pqb61mP5q #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Ad50bX7LvA
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 30, 2020