Love Chara and what he means to the franchise, but he's not a top pair guy anymore. I'd love to have him back but in a much more specialized role. Have him eat up minutes on the PK, on d-zone starts and late when protecting a lead. Switch him out with one of the younger guys when they're playing a speedier team like the Canes or Leafs. I think he can still be useful (especially off the ice and in practice) but when the pace picks up he gets exposed too easily. Something like this with Lauzon switching in game to game depending on injuries, performace and matchup:
Grzcelyk - McAvoy
Chara/Zboril - Carlo
Zboril/Chara - Miller/Clifton
Lauzon
I'm guessing the delay is due to the uncertainty surrounding the season. At Chara's age I can't imagine he's all that excited to potentially isolate away from his family again for weeks or months. I'd certainly wait to see what the plan is before committing to anything if I was in his shoes.
I am a bit concerned that maybe he and management aren't on the same page over his role though. He's a competitive guy, maybe he doesn't want to be relegated to a defensive specialist role. If some other team promises him more playing time or a more significant role, would he consider it? I can't imagine he'd want to pick up and move his family after 14 years during a pandemic, but you never know with these guys. I wouldn't begrudge him if he chose to go elsewhere, but I really want to see him retire a Bruin and maybe even move into a management position after he retires.