The Islanders announced on Saturday that they have agreed to terms with veteran defenseman Zdeno Chara on a one-year contract.
Chara, 44, was originally selected by the Islanders in the third round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft and played in New York through the 2000-01 season. He’s gone on to play in 1,608 NHL games, recording 666 points (207 goals, 459 assists) with the Isles, Ottawa Senators (2001-06), Boston Bruins (2006-14), and Washington Capitals (2020-21).
Among active NHL players, Chara ranks first in plus/minus (+293), penalty minutes (2,000) and second in games played. He is a six-time NHL All-Star (2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2011-12).
He served as the captain of the Bruins for 14 seasons, helping them win the 2010-11 Stanley Cup. Chara won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2008-09 after recording a career-high 19 goals and 31 assists in 80 games. He was also the recipient of the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2010-11 for his exemplary leadership both on and off the ice.
His 481 points with the Bruins (148 goals, 333 assists) ranks third among defensemen in Boston team history, behind Hall of Famers Ray Bourque (1,506) and Bobby Orr (888).
Chara has represented Slovakia in international play, including three Olympics (2006, 2010, 2014), and won the Golden Puck as Slovakia’s Player of the Year three times (2008-09, 2010-11, 2011-12).