• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 13, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

Zdeno Chara Makes History, Could Be Bargain for Contender

  • Chara skated in his 1,652nd career NHL game, passing Chris Chelios for the league’s all-time mark for a defenseman.
  • He could be traded to a destination of his choice with the Islanders 18 points out of a playoff spot.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

Zdeno Chara has been a staple on blue lines for 24 seasons — and he isn’t done yet.

On Thursday, Chara skated in his 1,652nd career NHL game, passing Chris Chelios for the league’s all-time mark for a defenseman. He’s currently tied with Mark Recchi for the seventh-most played at any position.

Chara reached the milestone with the team that drafted him back in 1996, but with the Islanders 18 points out of a playoff spot, he could be on the move.

Even without a no-trade clause, Chara is expected to be dealt to a destination of his choice by Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello. The 44-year-old’s physicality and experience could provide essential depth for any contender’s Cup run.

  • At 6’9”, Chara is the tallest player in NHL history.
  • He is still playing a crucial role on New York’s 11th-ranked penalty kill, averaging 1:30 per game with the unit.
  • As captain of the Bruins, the Slovak defenseman won the 2009 Norris Trophy and the 2011 Stanley Cup.

His veteran-minimum cap hit of $750,000 should be attractive to virtually any trade partner. His contract also has an additional $750,000 in performance-based incentives, but that won’t count toward the cap.

His legendary toughness would be another bonus: Thursday’s scrap with rookie Jeffrey Viel made Chara the oldest player in NHL history to receive a major penalty for fighting.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 27, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Utah Hockey Club forward Ben McCartney (62) directs a team mate before a face off against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period at T-Mobile Arena

Beer Sales Set Record at Utah Hockey Club Debut Game

Beer sales beat any NBA or NHL game at the Delta Center in its history.

Utah Among NHL Teams Navigating RSN Decline, Rights Negotiations

Comcast declines to carry Utah games, sparking local NHL distribution challenges.
Oct 8, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; The Utah Hockey Club is introduced to the fans before the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Delta Center.

Nothing Obstructs Utah Hockey Club’s NHL Debut

The team pulled off a victory in its inaugural game at the Delta Center.
Duante' Abercrombie News Ch.4 interview

Tennessee State’s Ambitious Plan to Launch an HBCU Hockey Program

TSU has big plans, but the university is facing an existential dilemma.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

The FOS Interview: Golden State Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase

0:00

Featured Today

Sep 15, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs fans celebrate after a touchdown by Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

‘This Is My Whole Life’: How Swifties Became NFL Superfans

The “Chiefties” have arrived. And they are “fully committed” to football.
Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) walks through Buff Walk before the game against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field.
opinion
October 11, 2024

The NIL Era Is a Wild West. Is Anyone Surprised?

Amateurism is dead and college athletes are professionals. How’s that working out?
October 11, 2024

‘We’re Ready for FBS’: Sacramento State Is Serious About the Jump

How the Hornets got themselves on the short list of potential call-ups.
October 8, 2024

Ryan Smith Sees Salt Lake City As Next Vegas-Like Sports Town

Utah Hockey Club’s owner says all the pieces are falling into place.
Jul 20, 2024; London, United Kingdom; The New Balance FuelCell MD-X spikes worn by Gabrielle Thomas aka Gabby Thomas (USA) in the women's 200m during the London Athletics Meet at London Stadium.

Olympic Sprinter Sues New Balance Over ‘Cracked’ Shoes

Khamica Bingham is a two-time Olympic sprinter for Canada.
October 10, 2024

Rafael Nadal to Retire: His Impact on Tennis, Endorsement Legacy

Nadal has been battling with injuries over the last few years.
October 11, 2024

Haason Reddick Fired by Own CAA Agents $9 Million Into Jets Holdout

The star rusher has not played all season over a contract dispute.
Sponsored

Rivalries Reign Across Red River and the Beltway, London Calling

According to data from TickPick, renewed battles between bitter foes are spiking ticket prices.
October 9, 2024

PGA vs. LIV ‘Showdown’ Has International Ambitions

The inaugural match will be played in Las Vegas this December.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) smiles while answering a question Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, after an Indiana Fever practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
October 8, 2024

Next Up for Caitlin Clark Mania: Women’s Golf

The hoops sensation is scheduled to play in a pro-am on the LPGA Tour.
October 6, 2024

MLB Poised for Huge Viewership Gains

A Dodgers-Yankees World Series is on the table.
October 5, 2024

MLB Gets the Shohei Ohtani Postseason Treatment. The Value Is Immense

The Japanese superstar finally makes his playoff debut Saturday.