Zdeno Chara, a defenseman, has signed a one year contract with the New York Islanders. This will be his 24th NHL season. He is rejoining the team that drafted him back in 1996.
Chara, 44 years old, was a Washington Capitals player last season. He appeared in 55 games, and contributed two goals and eight assists. Chara joined Washington on a 1-year contract. This is Chara's fourth consecutive one-year contract.
The Islanders drafted the 6-foot-9 defenseman in the 56th round in 1996. From 1997 to 2001, he played 231 games with them before Mike Milbury sent Bill Muckalt (winger) and a first round pick to become center Jason Spezza to Ottawa Senators for Alexei Yashin. This is a deal that will remain infamy for Islanders fan.
Chara celebrated Saturday's homecoming by posting an Instagram photo in which he wore one his Islanders sweaters.
Since 1997-98, Chara has played 1,608 games for the Capitals, Senators and Boston Bruins. This is the 13th most NHL games played. Chara has scored 207 goals, 459 assists and 2,000 penalty minutes. Chara was a finalist six times for the Norris Trophy in 2008-09, which is the NHL's top defenceman.
Chara joined Andy Greene, Sebastian Aho, and Adam Pelech on the depth chart, helping to fill in the left side of Islanders' defense.
