Zdeno Chara To Sign With New York Islanders

According to Kevin Weekes, Zdeno Chara is going to sign with the New York Islanders for the 2021-22 season. The Islanders drafted Chara in the third-round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft and he played his first four NHL seasons with the club.

**Breaking News** I’m told future @HockeyHallFame Defenseman Zdeno Chara to sign where he started his career - with @NYIslanders on a 1 year deal. @espn @NHLNetwork @NHL #HockeyTwitter
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) September 18, 2021

It had been known that Chara wanted to stay on the east coast to be close to his family, so the possibility of a reunion with the Islanders was there. It also makes sense for them to add another left-handed defenseman to their lineup.

After 14 seasons as the Bruins' captain, Chara played last season with the Washington Capitals. In 55 games, he scored two goals and recorded 10 points. Although the 44-year-old defenseman is no longer in his prime, he surely is still effective in a bottom-pair role.

With the Islanders being true contenders, Chara could be a very useful piece for them. He is a great leader and has had success in the postseason, as evidenced by his 2011 Stanley Cup. It also does not hurt that he's still the biggest player in the entire league, too.

In 1,608 career NHL games between the Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Bruins and Capitals, Chara has 207 goals, 459 assists and 666 points.

It's great to see Chara coming back to where it all began. This will likely be his last season in the league, so whether you love or hate him, watch him closely. A player as unique as him does not come around very often.