Player Discussion Zdeno Chara - III

[Sheppy]

Sign Chara and trade Moore.

8D next year:

Chara
McAvoy
Carlo
Gryz
Lauzon
Clifton
Vaak
Zboril

Rotate them in and out.

Not much point production with that back end, though.

 

[Trap Jesus]

I'm going to be very disappointed if it's anything other than league minimum, with no bonuses. Hell, Spezza was 5th on the Stars in points as a 4th liner and he signed with Toronto for league minimum with no bonuses.

He signed for $2 million + a max of $1.75 million in bonuses this season. He's made nearly $100 million in his career and his skills and effectiveness have clearly deteriorated to the point where this type of salary is not out of the question at all. Give the Bruins a hometown discount if you really care about winning another Championship. Every penny of savings counts for cap space next year.

 

[bruinshoper]

This right here.

Thank you. I read the posts calling for retirement (and many of them from earlier seasons...), and I just shake my head. Seriously, the guy has been one of the top conditioned and disciplined Athlete in all professional sports for years. He is an incredible leader, and still a physical force. Of course he isn’t what he was 5 years ago...yes he is vulnerable to speedsters...but no he is not done.

 

[bruinshoper]

Let's put it another way- he, Vaak, Lauzon (whoever else Wolff, Ahcan etc) deserve a chance to earn a regular role. In Zboril's case, he has done all that he can in the AHL. It may be that he doesn't end up becoming a regular for the Bruins, but we will never know so long as he doesn't get his chance at an extended run of playing time. Which he won't get so long as Chara is there. The Bruins deserve Zboril or someone getting a chance too, because Chara will be gone at some point soon however much he wishes he could keep it going, and it would be a shame that a young, homegrown LD that could have taken the roster spot has moved on or withered away into AHL mediocrity in the meantime.

Disagree. Players play if they are better and push other players out. Period. McAvoy had his nhl shot, kicked ass...kept kicking ass, and pushed others down the roster.
If Chara is “blocking” anyone...it’s because he is more effective/valuable to the success to the team.

 

[Dr Hook]

Disagree. Players play if they are better and push other players out. Period. McAvoy had his nhl shot, kicked ass...kept kicking ass, and pushed others down the roster.
If Chara is “blocking” anyone...it’s because he is more effective/valuable to the success to the team.

Let's agree to disagree, then. He gets a pass because he is Zdeno Chara, a legend and sure-fire Hall of Famer. If you don't think that factors into anything, okay, but I certainly do. If he was some UFA from another team and Sweeney signed him this summer, most everyone here would scream bloody murder and call for Don's head, past performance notwithstanding.

 

[NeelyDan]

He’s not intimating anymore though. Gone are the angry Chara days, he now “takes it easy” on people.

He’s too slow to catch anyone with a hard hit right now, too.

I dunno, man. My guess is the guys in the league still know what he's capable of - and that capability is one that does not exist anywhere in the lineup, regardless of how often he employs it.

 

[alko]

He's made nearly $100 million

Why are always mentioned gross earnings and not net pay?
It is a common thing in USA? Because here we are always talking about net pay.
And in Chara case it could be 50 % down. But still nice 50 millions, that is true.

 

[BRUINS since 1995]

I dunno, man. My guess is the guys in the league still know what he's capable of - and that capability is one that does not exist anywhere in the lineup, regardless of how often he employs it.

I agree. But imo, Chara does not seem to have any angry in him left and i now think it could become dangerous for himself against tough NHL hombre. Can’t ask that guy to play toughness anymore. Never saw him get hit hard like the past two years especially this year. I also think it went fast these last PO...not sur what it will do 2021 Charàs PO. And when it goes fast....you don’t see the hits coming!

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

Let's agree to disagree, then. He gets a pass because he is Zdeno Chara, a legend and sure-fire Hall of Famer. If you don't think that factors into anything, okay, but I certainly do. If he was some UFA from another team and Sweeney signed him this summer, most everyone here would scream bloody murder and call for Don's head, past performance notwithstanding.

He was top 2 on the team in every defensive statistic.

Top 10 in the league in +/- and defensive point shares

He gets a "pass" because he's still the one doing the heavy defensive lifting

 

[Dr Hook]

He was top 2 on the team in every defensive statistic.

Top 10 in the league in +/- and defensive point shares

He gets a "pass" because he's still the one doing the heavy defensive lifting

The Bruins game under Cassidy relies on quick transition from defense to offense which needs good puck skills and good skating, neither of which he has. I really don't care about defensive point shares or plus/minus. Stats only tell part of any story. I know what I watched as the regular season went on last year, and in the recent bubble playoffs and it was awful to see.

If they re-sign him, he gets a pass because of what he once was, and because of who he is as a person. But if you disagree, would you honestly be happy if Sweeney went out and signed him if he had spent most of a hall of fame career with another team? If so great, and if he comes back you and some others here will be happy. I hope they don't bring him back and hope he retires with some dignity, not rope-a-doping his way into ignominy.

 

[GordonHowe]

The Bruins game under Cassidy relies on quick transition from defense to offense which needs good puck skills and good skating, neither of which he has. I really don't care about defensive point shares or plus/minus. Stats only tell part of any story. I know what I watched as the regular season went on last year, and in the recent bubble playoffs and it was awful to see.

If they re-sign him, he gets a pass because of what he once was, and because of who he is as a person. But if you disagree, would you honestly be happy if Sweeney went out and signed him if he had spent most of a hall of fame career with another team? If so great, and if he comes back you and some others here will be happy. I hope they don't bring him back and hope he retires with some dignity, not rope-a-doping his way into ignominy.

In a limited role, Z can still help the Bruins. I would like to have him back for one more season and a proper farewell. Yes, in appreciation for past performance, not necessarily what he brings now. He deserves it.

 

[BTO]

I'm going to be very disappointed if it's anything other than league minimum, with no bonuses. Hell, Spezza was 5th on the Stars in points as a 4th liner and he signed with Toronto for league minimum with no bonuses.

He signed for $2 million + a max of $1.75 million in bonuses this season. He's made nearly $100 million in his career and his skills and effectiveness have clearly deteriorated to the point where this type of salary is not out of the question at all. Give the Bruins a hometown discount if you really care about winning another Championship. Every penny of savings counts for cap space next year.

I'd be fine with $1m and no bonuses (no need to "insult" him with the league minimum when $1m is $250-$300k more). Otherwise yup, not paying the guy $3.5m, including bonuses, for the privilege of not forcing him to retire. Ball's in our court, not his.

Edit: and that's with 3rd pairing minutes and pk specialist.

 

[Deuce17]

In a limited role, Z can still help the Bruins. I would like to have him back for one more season and a proper farewell. Yes, in appreciation for past performance, not necessarily what he brings now. He deserves it.

To each their own but this is a mentality I can’t even remotely relate to.

 

[BAD BOY]

If he takes a 1 year one million dollar deal.. he doesn’t need the money. I’ll do it , but he is depth D. If it becomes a problem I’ll pass. I would clear as much space for Hall and make sure I have the highest offer.. I don’t think it will be a bad deal as he ages he can could score 25 goals a year as he heads into his mid thirties. I would not trade DK. I would trade some prospects and Kase, even throw in a Bjork or a Kuhlman for a physical D- man.. or see what Dillon wants.. I want size and finish.

Now if they rebuild it’s ok too. Sweeney can start dealing like a drunken sailor. But he better get the trades right and drafting right. Your dealing these type of players you better get something good back . Don’t tell me about age they still produce. If that’s the case don’t do it.

I want a physical team built for the playoffs.

 

[BRUINS since 1995]

He was top 2 on the team in every defensive statistic.

Top 10 in the league in +/- and defensive point shares

He gets a "pass" because he's still the one doing the heavy defensive lifting

He did have a very good season. But the Covid thing stopped the season and the long period of non game was huge on chara.
In the PO, I think he can pay a beer to Mac....and his centers.
He can still play for the Bruins. Hope he retires a Bruins. But, i can not forget how fast PO was for 33.

 

[JOKER 192]

I'm not sure the Bruins D is ready for life without Chara. But even with him back it will be life without Chara. Chara is not the same guy anymore and needs to used as such and paid as such.

 

[Tbaybruin]

Not much point production with that back end, though.

Bang on. Grizz our #1 LD

 

[Riverfront]

chara will be #6 D on the depth chart and on occassion be the # 7 . Pitch count of 60 regular season games next season.

 

[BigGoalBrad]

Its time. Future HOFers who might be the best ever at what they do should not have to beg for their job back and if they are its best for both sides to move on.

Any of the other 30 teams are good fits for him to go out as a bottom pairing guy. Here is not. McAvoy and Carlo need new partners.

 

[GordonHowe]

To each their own but this is a mentality I can’t even remotely relate to.

Fair enough.

I will only add that without Zdeno Chara, the Bruins would never have developed the cuture of winning that brought them the Cup in 2011, and two further cracks at it in '13 & '19.

 

[Deuce17]

Fair enough.

I will only add that without Zdeno Chara, the Bruins would never have developed the cuture of winning that brought them the Cup in 2011, and two further cracks at it in '13 & '19.

I can’t disagree with this tho I think 37 had something to do with it as well. I just can’t agree with making personnel decisions based on appreciation, nostalgia etc.

 

[GordonHowe]

I can’t disagree with this tho I think 37 had something to do with it as well. I just can’t agree with making personnel decisions based on appreciation, nostalgia etc.

Well, again, fair.

And of course I agree that Patrice had a bit to do with 2011, too. The finer point here is that without Tim Thomas, the Bruins never would have won the Cup that year, either.

 

[alko]

How good/bad was Chris Chelios in his years?

 

[DKH]

Decision pending on Chara

Zdeno Chara wants to return to the Bruins next year. Whether the feeling is mutual remains unknown.
The Bruins started pro scouting meetings. They will meet with the coaches this week. In the weeks to come, they will conduct video meetings with each player. Perhaps by then, Sweeney will have a sharper idea of how to proceed with Chara.
“He’s always been an iconic player for us, an important player for us,” Sweeney said. “We’re going to explore opportunities with him and other players that have (unrestricted free agent) or (restricted free agent) status. And hopefully check off the boxes like we have with several other players and continue to move forward to improve our hockey club. Addressing Zdeno’s contractual situation is part of that process.”

from Athletic

hmmm doesn’t sound a lock

 

[Sheppy]

Well, again, fair.

And of course I agree that Patrice had a bit to do with 2011, too. The finer point here is that without Tim Thomas, the Bruins never would have won the Cup that year, either.

or without Michael Ryder making a glove save.