Player Discussion Zdeno Chara

[PatriceBergeronFan]

I'd argue that 7 million for several years of that contract was a discount and that we are paying the piper for those discount years now, not just getting screwed because the term is too long.

The term was long to get it done at only 7 million. Chara, who was the best D in the world at the time, could have been setting the new market like other top of the line players who come up for UFA do. Shea Weber got a million bucks more until he is 40. Suter is also signed until he is 40 at more AAV than Chara.

If you wanted to sign him for fewer years, you would have had to given him way more AAV, making the team worse both then, and perhaps now, since a Chara at 7 million is better than, what, signing Sekera for 5+ this offseason? Assuming you could have gotten Chara for 7 million for only 3 or 4 years is insane. If you wanted to trade him then, well, that would have been crazy, too, because trading away the best D in the league for some pile of lesser assets is not what you do.

 

[DKH]

I agree with all of this.

However, I also think that longer than prudent contracts in order to sign stars (even aging ones) is the the rule, not the exception these days. I skimmed through the last few pages of posts and this conversation seems moot. Did the B's sign Chara to a deal where he would be overpaid the last few years of the contract? Absolutely. Now go look around the NHL and you will find many...many...similar deals.

Given where Boston appears to be in building this team, I would be OK with handing the reigns to Bergeron and dealing Chara at the deadline to a legit Cup contender for a nice package (if that deal was out there). I don't anticipate that happening, but you never know, I didn't see the 17 and 27 deals coming either. If someone has the stones to do it, it's probably Sweeney.

Brady and Ortiz are doing alright at 38+ and Chara healthy and managed properly will be there as well.

If Chara is healthy I want him on Boston. He needs

To Have minutes cut back
Power play time eliminated at least point - to much skating on icings and to stationary
Play with an uptempo RH D like Colin Miller (please no McQuaid)

I was hoping to see Colin Miller with him but I am good with Trotman

Folks need to get over him being traded on teams end and player waiving no trade

He's here or he's retired

 

[GloryDaze4877]

Brady and Ortiz are doing alright at 38+ and Chara healthy and managed properly will be there as well.

If Chara is healthy I want him on Boston. He needs

To Have minutes cut back
Power play time eliminated at least point - to much skating on icings and to stationary
Play with an uptempo RH D like Colin Miller (please no McQuaid)

I was hoping to see Colin Miller with him but I am good with Trotman

Folks need to get over him being traded on teams end and player waiving no trade

He's here or he's retired

I'm not kicking him out, but if I am DS and someone comes calling...I am listening.

As Mick says in his article, it's not about Chara's window any more, it's about building a legit Cup contender during 37 and 46's windows. If I can deal Chara to get there, I do it.

 

[PsychoDad]

I'm not kicking him out, but if I am DS and someone comes calling...I am listening.

As Mick says in his article, it's not about Chara's window any more, it's about building a legit Cup contender during 37 and 46's windows. If I can deal Chara to get there, I do it.

I think if we want to be realistic - Bergeron and Krejci will have 4 more top level years max, and there is no way we will be a contender that soon again. Bergeron I can see playing solid 2nd line two way game up to 37, Krejci absolutely will not be there for the new run.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

I think if we want to be realistic - Bergeron and Krejci will have 4 more top level years max, and there is no way we will be a contender that soon again. Bergeron I can see playing solid 2nd line two way game up to 37, Krejci absolutely will not be there for the new run.

Considering we were suddenly considered contenders in 2009, would you have said we would have been contenders in four years in 2005? Okay fine, let's wait until 2011 to call us "contenders". Would you have said it in 2007?

Things happen quick.

 

[whatsbruin]

Sadly, if expecting a package back, you might want to deal Bergeron rather than Chara.
Chara would get you a late 1st or 2nd round pick at best. Teams know Boston is trying to dump the salary of an aging 6'9 player with a torn PCL.

I think at the deadline this year, if you dangle Chara, you get some decent first round picks, and perhaps a high end prospect. Provide you get in a bidding war. None of the
Top secret deals they have done in the past with Thornton, Sequin, and Hamilton.

 

[Gee Wally]

I think at the deadline this year, if you dangle Chara, you get some decent first round picks, and perhaps a high end prospect. Provide you get in a bidding war. None of the
Top secret deals they have done in the past with Thornton, Sequin, and Hamilton.

Kinda hard to do. He has a full NMC so even if he agrees to be traded he can select where if he chooses to do so.

 

[Roll 4 Lines]

Kinda hard to do. He has a full NMC so even if he agrees to be traded he can select where if he chooses to do so.

AND, if he waives, it's to go to a contender, so the pick (s) won't be very high.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

AND, if he waives, it's to go to a contender, so the pick (s) won't be very high.

If the B's were to trade Z, I would want more proven prospects that are on the cusp, not picks. That would speed up the re-tool process.

Just an example, ANA is a legit contender, has plenty of Cap space, and a number of good prospects the B's would probably be interested in.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

I think at the deadline this year, if you dangle Chara, you get some decent first round picks, and perhaps a high end prospect. Provide you get in a bidding war. None of the
Top secret deals they have done in the past with Thornton, Sequin, and Hamilton.

I really doubt it. Taking the contract without any money retained will be a challenge in and of itself.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

I really doubt it. Taking the contract without any money retained will be a challenge in and of itself.

At the deadline, Chara's $6.9m hit will be a small fraction of that, and in 2017-18 it's only $4m, si it basically boils down to that $$$ for one year.

Not insurmountable.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

At the deadline, Chara's $6.9m hit will be a small fraction of that, and in 2017-18 it's only $4m, si it basically boils down to that $$$ for one year.

Not insurmountable.

It's a lot to pay for a guy going to a team that seemingly already has a decent defense. No team is going to deal a 1st + prospects for Chara expecting him to be their #1 defenseman. What teams are going to absorb that kind of salary for an entire year, plus an extra year of the contract for $4 mil at the age of 41-42 for a non-#1? My bet is a pretty confident "none".

Chara won't be moved...ever. That is my actual bet. When the coach is saying things like "when Z RETIRES, Bergeron could definitely become Captain" (that's close to an exact quote) as of last year, I'm convinced the loyalty/love affair is too strong for something logical to happen on that front.

 

[nfld77]

Sorry if it was already posted{I've been extra busy past 2 weeks} but I was just wondering on the status of Chara since he played only 3 shifts in his 1st preseason game. Will he be ready to play when regular season begins?? Thank you in advance. I'm certain I'll get an answer on here.

 

[talkinaway]

Sorry if it was already posted{I've been extra busy past 2 weeks} but I was just wondering on the status of Chara since he played only 3 shifts in his 1st preseason game. Will he be ready to play when regular season begins?? Thank you in advance. I'm certain I'll get an answer on here.

Here's the answer from the man himself in his press availability today:

[NHL]839099&site=bruins&startTime=107[/NHL]

Zdeno Chara: Hockey player, financial adviser, licensed realtor, and now, standup comic.

But in all seriousness, he's definitely not playing tomorrow, and still a ? for the opener. According to tweets, while he was skating today, he only took a few feeble wrist shots when he was practicing, implying that there's something in the hand/wrist area...but that was just an observation from someone on Twitter (DJ Bean, I think).

 

[nfld77]

I just found this on Yahoo Bruins..Again, sorry if it was posted..


BOSTON (AP) -- Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara is already in midseason form when it comes to talking - or not talking - about injuries


The Bruins' captain returned to the ice this week after sustaining an undisclosed upper body injury in a Sept. 24 exhibition game against the New York Rangers. But he's been skating alone, before his teammates take the ice.

Asked about his progress at media day on Thursday, Chara said, ''I skated today.'' Asked if he was able to shoot pucks yet, Chara repeated, ''I skated today.''

The Bruins are still hoping their top defenseman can return for the regular-season opener against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night - especially since No. 2 defenseman Dennis Seidenberg is expected to be out until November after surgery to repair a herniated disc.

Chara said he can't put a timetable on his return as he tries to recover from an undisclosed injury.

''Today was better than it was yesterday,'' he said. ''If it keeps improving, we'll see how it's going to be next week.''

When healthy, Chara has long been the Bruins' leader in time on the ice. Getting used to the bench has been difficult.

''It's not just the games. I hate missing practice. I hate missing skating with the guys,'' he said. ''But at the same time, I know it's a process that you need to go through.''

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said one benefit of having injuries in training camp is some younger defensemen can get more ice time. If they develop faster, that could help the older players such as Chara and Seidenberg absorb less ice time during the season.

''We've used the injuries during training camp to our advantage,'' Sweeney said. ''We're moving forward with some of those guys that will step up. We're committed to allowing those guys to find their way.''

Sooner or later, the Bruins will have to transition to a younger defensive group and away from Chara, 38, and Seidenberg, 34. Both players insisted that their current injuries had nothing to do with age, though recovery times can be longer with older players.

''It's stuff that happens, even to younger guys,'' Seidenberg said. ''Me and 'Z' are a little bit older, but we're not old.''

 

[nfld77]

Here's the answer from the man himself in his press availability today:

[NHL]839099&site=bruins&startTime=107[/NHL]

Zdeno Chara: Hockey player, financial adviser, licensed realtor, and now, standup comic.

But in all seriousness, he's definitely not playing tomorrow, and still a ? for the opener. According to tweets, while he was skating today, he only took a few feeble wrist shots when he was practicing, implying that there's something in the hand/wrist area...but that was just an observation from someone on Twitter (DJ Bean, I think).

Thank you..Although I did find the above post, I knew it wouldn't be long before one of you replied. Appreciate that and hope Bruins surprise us all with a great season. I know it's possible if we veer away from serious injuries like last year!!

 

[Gee Wally]

Zdeno Chara has returned to the ice, skating on his own for the last three days, but he has yet to rejoin his teammates for practice. And while he ruled out appearing in Friday’s preseason finale, it’s too soon to determine whether Chara will be in uniform when the Bruins open the regular season next Thursday.

Chara’s upper-body injury does not appear to be serious, but it’s a notice that the Bruins “I believe that I still have a lot in me, I can still perform at the really, really high level,” the 38-year-old Chara said, addressing the media Thursday for the first time since he was injured against the Rangers a week before. “I’m very highly motivated and I was strong and [am] still strong. I’m fit.

“Injuries do happen. I mean, that’s something that as an athlete sometimes you can’t control. I really believe that once I come back I’m going to be at the same level as where I was before all the injuries happened in previous years.”

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2...uins-opener/LiXYZZQAIayFuOzvIvcpkK/story.html


http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...10/bruins_notebook_zdeno_chara_plays_it_smart

 

[Over the volcano]

Don't think we have to look too far to see the difference between the team with chara compared to the team without him. That said in the two games he was out they gave up a total of 70 shots against, since he returned they haven't given up more than 23 in a game. Anyone looking to move him is asking for a dark dark time for this club.

 

[ODAAT]

Don't think we have to look too far to see the difference between the team with chara compared to the team without him. That said in the two games he was out they gave up a total of 70 shots against, since he returned they haven't given up more than 23 in a game. Anyone looking to move him is asking for a dark dark time for this club.

Indeed, he may not be a Norris candidate any longer but his presence immediately allows things to level out a bit, have a D-man slide into a spot/role they are better suited for.

Let`s hope Seids returns and his effect is also the same

 

[badbrewin]

Count me impressed with Chara's play thus far this season. He hasn't been "flashy", but he has simplified his game, which has eliminated his bumbling from last season (I know he was limited due to injury) and his quickness seems 2 country miles ahead of last season as well.

If he's used strategically, he can still be a top 10-20 d-man in this league.

 

[indy]

Count me impressed with Chara's play thus far this season. He hasn't been "flashy", but he has simplified his game, which has eliminated his bumbling from last season (I know he was limited due to injury) and his quickness seems 2 country miles ahead of last season as well.

If he used strategically, he can still be a top 10-20 d-man in this league.

Agreed, When he got angry last night it sparked the whole team. Even there refs we like "Easy big fella!" and the Islanders became wary.

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

Chara has been very good. Outsiders will still scream decline and Hal Gill but they'd be wrong.

His anger last night was refreshing.

 

[s3antana5757]

He's been fine. I wish he'd hit those big bombs some more, but defensively, he's been stabilizing.

 

[missingchicklet]

It was great to see Z get so fired up. I think that incident ensured that the Bruins were not going to let up in the third. Whole team rallied around their captain and played smart hockey with nice intensity after the foolishness by the Isles. Going to need that kind of intensity and play the rest of the season if the Bs hope to make it into the playoffs. Also going to need a healthy Z. His presence on D clearly makes a world of difference on this team.

 

[Habs killer]

Chara has been very good. Outsiders will still scream decline and Hal Gill but they'd be wrong.

His anger last night was refreshing.

I agree, he doesnt get bent to often but last night he was steaming. Whether clutterbuck took liberties or not, cals reputation is enough. He's defiantly on chara's radar next game, I couldnt tell if martin? wanted to throw with him or not