After 25 seasons on four teams, Zdeno Chara has decided to hang up the skates. He made the announcement through his Instagram; he also announced his plan to sign a one-day contract in Boston to retire as a Bruin.
Throughout his career, he's scored 680 points (209G, 471A) in 1,680 games. He's also won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, James Morris Memorial Trophy and the Stanley Cup with the Bruins. Chara holds the record for the most games played as a defenseman in the NHL.
Chara has served as a seasoned veteran for the other defensemen he's played with and continues to lead by example on and off the ice. He's returning to Madison Square Garden today to sign the one-day contract and retire. It's unclear whether or not the Bruins are planning to retire Chara's number but more will likely be announced at the contract signing.