Zdeno Chara News

Chara had an extraordinary 24-year career, playing 1680 regular season games with the Islanders, Senators, Bruins and Capitals. He won one Norris Trophy (2009) and one Stanley Cup (2011).

Chara appears set to play Friday vs. the Jets after being activated from IR this afternoon. Otto Koivula was sent to the AHL to make room for the veteran blueliner, who has eight assists in 45 games. It's unclear who Chara would replace if he plays.

The Islanders COVID-19 breakout continues, with Chara being added to the protocol list on Tuesday. At this rate, the Islanders' game on Wednesday is in danger of being postponed.

Chara returns where it all began for him in 1996. Chara was drafted in the third round by the Islanders and played 231 games with them before being traded to the Senators in 2001. Last year, Chara had 10 points (2G / 8A) in 55 games with the Capitals and was able to log over 18 minutes per night at the age of 43. With the Islanders, he will likely be tasked with playing third-pairing minutes next to Scott Mayfield or Noah Dobson.

Chara was banged up in a fight in Nashville on Tuesday and missed Thursday's game but will replace Steven Kampfer in the lineup on Saturday. Chara has no points in his last 10 games.

Chara will not be available for Monday's game against the Capitals after undergoing a procedure on his jaw. Chara is dealing with an infection stemming from a broken jaw he suffered in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Chara missed Wednesday’s practice but was back on the ice for today’s optional gameday skate. Chara was wearing a regular jersey, which is a good sign for his potential availability for Game 5. Matt Grzelcyk (concussion) is also a game-time decision and would likely replace Chara on the top-pair if Chara can’t play.

Chara left Game 4 after being hit in the face by a puck and did not return. Chara returned to the bench for the third period but never took a shift. "Obviously his mouth has some blood and I don't know what's going on in there, but he can barely talk and he's out there supporting us," Brandon Carlo told reporters postgame. Luckily for the Bruins captain, the series will have an extra day off before Game 5 on Thursday.

Chara missed Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals but the will play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals vs. the Blues. Chara, who plays a shutdown role for the Bruins, has been on the ice for 12 5v5 goals for and just six against throughout the postseason while playing 22:32 TOI/gm.

The Bruins have clinched home-ice advantage in the first-round of the playoffs so they will sit four key players to give them some rest. Chara will be joined by David Krejci, Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy.

Chara has been sidelined with a knee injury since November 14th but will be back in the Bruins lineup following the Christmas break. Chara has three goals and one assist in 18 games this season.