The 50 Greatest Ottawa Senators Of All-Time: #10 – #1
By Jack Leiper
9. Zdeno Chara
Mar 14, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) at the face-off circle against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Boston won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 1179 GP, 71G, 288P
Height/Weight: 6foot9, 245lbs
Acquired: Trade With New York Islanders
Chara’s career as an Ottawa Senator can be briefly summed up as such: He was great when he was here, but he should have been here longer.
It was another regrettable move when Chara left as a free agent to Boston, signing a massive deal as a UFA just one season after the NHL introduced the salary cap. He would turn his success in Ottawa into a Stanley Cup as the Bruins’ captain as well as a Norris Trophy season in 2009.
While his time in Boston is certainly more memorable, Chara did play 299 games as a Senator and is still 4th all-time amongst Senators defenders in scoring. Chara posted 39, 43 and 41 point years in Ottawa and totalled 146 as a Senator. He was a marvel with his 6foot9 stature and it’s rare the NHL sees a defender as big and with as much mobility ever again.
You can’t look at what Chara has done in his career and his impact in Ottawa and not have him high on this list. He’s had an incredible NHL career that really took off in Ottawa.
Next: #8: The Longest Serving Ottawa Senator Ever