Bruins captain Zdeno Chara is not done just yet.

On Saturday, the Bruins announced that they have signed the recently turned 42-year old defenseman to a one-year contract extension. The contract is worth $2 million, plus an additional $1.75 in performance-based incentives.

According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the performance bonuses are centered around games played, the team making the playoffs and the team winning the Stanley Cup.

Chara bonuses same as last deal: 1.25 M at 10 games; 250k for making the playoffs and 250k for winning the Cup.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 23, 2019

Despite showing signs of slowing down, Chara is still succeeding in his role as part of the Bruins top d-pairing.

Chara’s 54.02% corsi for percentage is the fifth lowest of his 13 seasons in Boston, with his 52.64% scoring chances for percentage the third lowest.

In an attempt to keep Chara as fresh as possible, the team has been able to limit Chara’s minutes throughout the season. Through 55 games played, Chara is averaging 20:59 of time on ice, the lowest total of his 13-year Bruins tenure. 5v5, Chara is averaging 17:28, the second lowest total in those 13 seasons.

The team-friendly contract opens the door for the Bruins to be more flexible on the backend as both Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo will become restricted free agents at the end of the year.

For the better part of two seasons now, Chara and McAvoy have been the Bruins go-to, shutdown pairing. In 1356:09 of 5v5 on ice time together, the pair has a corsi for of 55.28% and a plus-17 in the goals for category.

At 42, Chara is the second-oldest player in the NHL. Chara ranks sixth in franchise history in games played, and is the longest-tenured captain in all of the National Hockey League.

Sean Kuraly out with fractured hand

The Bruins also announced Saturday that forward Sean Kuraly sustained a fracture in his right hand in Thursday’s game against the Devils and is out for approximately four weeks. Kuraly has already had successful surgery to repair the fracture. In a corresponding move, the Bruins have recalled Karson Kuhlman from Providence on an emergency basis.

Join the Discussion: » 7 Comments » Post New Comment

» The End of an Era?

» Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman in Game 7?

» Home Not So Sweet Home

» Bruins Depth On Full Display In Sunrise Sweep

» Bruins Drop Game 2 After Ugly Performance