Chara Gives Details On Departure From Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins signed the biggest name on the market on free agency day in 2006. His name? Zdeno Chara. Chara, now 43, remained unsigned for a large portion of the offseason until the Washington Capitals inked him to a one year deal. He has now revealed the details on his unceremonious departure from the Bruins' organization. 

As Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic reports, money was never an issue during contract negotiations. He did not want to play a reserve role and was certainly not ready to retire. He wanted to stay with the Bruins, but did not want to play a limited role as described by GM Don Sweeney.

"I believe Don Sweeney negotiated in good faith. I really appreciate the way everything was communicated to me and was very open to me. We had a number of conversations. He made it clear what conditions and what role I would be taking with the organizations if I would return. I just felt that what was presented to be and what conditions were attached to it, I just felt I had more to offer. I respect their decisions and wish them the best. I just felt I could play regularly and play the games. I have no issues with them going in a different direction. I just feel like for me, at this point in my career, it's better if I continue to play."

Despite Chara's leadership qualities and on-ice ability, the Bruins were concerned how his body would handle a compact 56 game season. He now feels he has an opportunity to prove his worth with the Washington Capitals.

"I decided that if I start skating and start going back to training, I will be very quickly honest with myself in case there would be some case of questioning or hesitation about going on the ice and doing all these routines and training I've been doing before. That never appeared. I still have a lot of fun when I go on the ice. I love working out. I love working hard, getting ready, getting up in the morning and doing all that routine. To me, that was an indication that I still have lots of gas left. I still want to go out there and do my thing. That's my motivation; to still prove I can play."

It feels unnatural to see old photos of Chara wearing a New York Islanders jersey or an Ottawa Senators jersey. It will be even more of a shock to see him sporting a Washington Capitals jersey in what may be the final season of his career. Hopefully this career move works out for Big Zee!

Photographer: Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire