The Athletic - Boston Fluto: 10 Bruins predictions for 2020: Could the end be near for Zdeno Chara?

[Fenway]

10 Bruins predictions for 2020: Could the end be near for...

1. Winger is coming
The Bruins will acquire a No. 2 right wing to play with David Krejci for the remainder of this season. This is not a recording.

2. Another Bargain deal
If Torey Krug re-ups with the only team he’s known, the term and the salary will be significantly below market price. In that way, Krug’s deal will belong in the category currently occupied by those of David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand: bargain.

3. Together again
Jaroslav Halak will sign a one-year extension with the Bruins.

4. The end for Big z?
Zdeno Chara will call it quits.

5. One way or another, David Backes will not be here

6. Waiting in the wings
Urho Vaakanainen, the team’s 2017 first-round pick, will break camp with the varsity next season, regardless of what happens with Krug and Chara.

7. The future down the middle
Ditto for Jack Studnicka, the Bruins’ 2017 second-rounder.

8. The gloves stay on
Fighting is dying organically.

9. Here to stay, and deservedly so
Connor Clifton will take a big step as the Bruins’ third-pairing right-side defenseman behind McAvoy and Brandon Carlo.

10. Breaking out, at last
Anders Bjork will start next season with double-digit goals through the calendar year of 2020.

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[Estlin]

I can see all those happening.

 

[Troublesome 85]

Not sure about 1,4 or 8

Would love for 1 to happen but who is realistically out there that wont cost the team alot?

 

[DKH]

I can vision all happening

 

[DKH]

Bergeron
Krejci
Coyle
Studnicka
Kuraly
Frederic
Marchand
DeBrusk
Bjork
Kreider
Pastrnak
Wagner
Senyshyn
Kuhlman

McAvoy
Carlo
Clifton
Krug
Grzelcyk
Vaakanainen
Moore

Rask
Halak

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

Chara isn't retiring.

 

[missingchicklet]

Chara isn't retiring.

Hard for me to believe he will call it quits given the season he is having. I think he still has something left in the tank. Obviously a severe injury could impact his decision, but as it currently stands I would put money on him being in the NHL next season.

 

[BAD BOY]

I don’t agree with his prediction on 1 , 3 and 4.

 

[Krupp]

I thought Chara would call it at the end of the year. Now? I'm not so sure. Part of me wants him to go out on his terms either way, but that's just my sympathetic side

 

[Over the volcano]

Think Chara will play as long as he can contribute to an NHL club - which by my estimation is at least two more years, wouldn't rule out 4-5 (if his knees stay healthy). He's playing some of the best hockey of his career.

 

[Tbaybruin]

I can vision all happening

I think Z comes back

 

[DKH]

I think Z comes back

Spoke to him about Prague a few weeks ago and last trip and what a blast and thinking of going again - and let’s just say my takeaway was he wants to be there in uniform

 

[Tbaybruin]

Spoke to him about Prague a few weeks ago and last trip and what a blast and thinking of going again - and let’s just say my takeaway was he wants to be there in uniform

Thanks for that. Good to hear. Age is a number,this guy isn’t built normal. If he can play he can play don’t care about how old he is

 

[Dueling Banjos]

Chara isn't retiring.

Retiring isn't Chara.