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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Big Zee is heading off into the sunset, but not without a stop in Boston first.
Bruins legend Zdeno Chara is retiring from the National Hockey League after playing for 24 seasons, 14 of which he spent in Boston as team captain. He will sign a one-day contract with the Bruins to retire with the team.
"I am honored to return to TD Garden today to sign a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins and officially finish my career with the team that has meant so much to me and my family," Chara wrote in an Instagram post. "There are so many people that have helped contribute to my success, including all of you, and I look forward to properly thanking everyone this afternoon."
In his 14 years with the Bruins, Chara made the playoffs 11 times, the Stanley Cup Finals three times, and won the Cup in 2011. He ended his career in Boston with 148 goals and 333 assists, ranks sixth in team history for games played 1,203, and third in points by a defenseman, behind only Ray Bourque and Bobby Orr.
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Chara retires with several individual accolades. He won the Norris Trophy for the NHL's best defenseman for the 2008-09 season and made the All-Star game six times. He also ranks first all-time in Game 7 appearances with 14 in his career. Chara, who stands at 6-foot-9, is also the tallest player in NHL history.
WBZ's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports.
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