NHL History & News

Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins team captain, is adamant that he desires to stay and play NHL with the Boston Bruins. He even indicated he would like to remain there for the rest of his professional career. His present contract will end July 1, 2011. However recent investigations concerning front-loaded and long term contracts have stalled talks about extending Chara’s contract.

There are many aspects to settling contract terms. The NHL and the NHL players association have to agree upon changes, or amendments, which will affect how contracts are handled. There is some discussion about contracts with decreasing values to prevent long term contracts.

The New Jersey Devil’s deal with Ilya Kovalchuk seems to be the main hold up in contract talks. His 15 year contract worth a hundred million dollars was finally approved Friday of last week. This came with an agreement between the players association and the league.

Now that amendments concerning long term contracts have been approved by the league the standstill should be over. Bruin’s representative, states that the new negotiations will be beneficial for every one involved. This will help players and general managers work through contract negotiations much quicker than before.

With agreements finally being reached between the NHL and the NHL players association the guidelines will be a lot clearer. This will make talks run much smoother for every one concerned.

Chris Chelios announced Tuesday that he will not return to the NHL for a 27th season. He exits professional hockey as the second oldest player to ever take the ice, behind only Gordie Howe.

Chelios spent his playing days in Montreal, Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta. The 48-year-old defenseman won three Stanley Cups and three Norris trophies and he is very popular in the NHL futures odds.

The next step for Chelios is working as an adviser in Detroit. He will consult with the Red Wing’s upper management and coaching staff while helping to guide younger players.

As a player himself, Chelios first broke in with Montreal and remained a Canadien for seven seasons. A trade sent him to the Blackhawks and he played nine seasons in Chicago before being dealt to Detroit. His last NHL action came in seven March games for the Thrashers.

The U.S. Olympic hockey team chose Chelios four times to be a member. Three times he served as captain and helped bring home a silver medal in 2002.

Despite the incredible endurance of Chelios and intense training, a broken leg made him miss about 75% of Detroit’s 2008-09 season. The Red Wings subsequently did not bring him back for 2009-10.

Chelios leaves the NHL as leader in postseason games played, having taken the ice in 266. His 1,651 regular season games puts him at fourth place all-time.

The intense style of play Chelios demonstrated leaves him walking away with a somewhat dubious honor. His 2,891 penalty minutes is second all-time among defensemen.