Zdeno Chara doesn’t care that free agency opens tomorrow…

Zdeno Chara wanted so much more for his 23rd season in the National Hockey League. But it was taken away by his former team, the Boston Bruins, who eliminated the Washington Capitals from the postseason in the first round. 

Right after the Caps were ousted, the veteran defenseman admitted that the future was uncertain. He will hit free agency again after signing a one-year, $795,000 contract with the Capitals. He admitted to choosing Washington because of the important role they still allowed him to have on the roster. In Boston, things would have been different with a young pack pushing their way up on the blue line. However, things were hard on Chara, seeing that his family remained in Boston for the season. He made it clear he would talk with his family about what decision is best for his future. 

On Tuesday, insider Pierre LeBrun reached out to Chara’s agent Matt Keator to see what would happen with his client when free agency opens tomorrow. 

For now, it seems like Chara does not care about the opening of the free-agent market as he is in no rush to make a decision on whether or not he will play again in the NHL. 

“Z is in Slovakia spending time with family,” Chara’s agent told LeBrun. “He is working out hard and leaving all of his options open. There is no rush on anything with him.”

Chara showed he still has some gas left in the tank. He scored 10 points (two goals, eight assists) and averaged 18:19 in ice time in 55 regular-season games and scored no points and averaged 16:16 in ice time in five games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

However, he does not want to rush a decision and will take his time with this one. Chara has yet to decide on whether he’ll go for another NHL season at age 45.