Chara waiting on season format
Joe Haggerty of Boston Hockey Now: Boston Bruins UFA defenseman Zdeno Chara is “waiting on the format” for the 2020-21 season before deciding his next step according to his agent. Chara may not be interested in any bubble scenario that would keep him away from his family for long stretches.
GM Don Sweeney:
“Same status quo there. waiting to reconnect with and Zdeno. Zee continues to evaluate what the landscape of the league looks like and we’ll see where it goes,” said Sweeney. “We’ve had constant communication and hopefully we’ve got a target date here at some point in the near future and we’ll see what the league determines.”
After the Jake DeBrusk signing, it leaves the Bruins with just over $3.5 million in salary cap space. If Chara did re-sign with the Bruins, he’d likely have a reduced role.
Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com: Still believe that Chara – Bruins deal will eventually get done, but the confidence level has lessened lately. It makes sense for him to re-sign with the team and play a reduced role. He’s no longer a top-pairing defenseman.
Chara has received interest from other teams but has said he’d like to return to the Bruins. There is still a chance he signs elsewhere, but believe he’ll be back with the Bruins.
DeBrusk’s deal gives Bruins some flexibility
Conor Ryan of Boston Sports Journal: Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney after signing Jake DeBrusk to a bridge deal on Monday.
“In this case, I think a little of the unknown landscape had me pivot back to shorter term to allow us flexibility now and then moving forward, and obviously allowing Jake for the next platform. His ability to take it to another level. With a little more certainty as to where things may head financially with the league. I think at this point in time, two years felt like the right number, and we’re fortunate that (agent) Rick (Vilette) and Jake saw the common ground and were happy to get it done. He’s really being recognized at the top of that peer group of his comparable and we’re happy to put him there.”
