Bruins sign Chara to 1-year, $5M extension

The Boston Bruins have signed defenseman and captain Zdeno Chara to a one-year contract extension worth $5 million, the team announced Wednesday. The deal includes an additional $1.75 million in performance-based incentives.

According to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston, Chara will reportedly receive a $1.25-million bonus if he plays 10 games, an additional $250,000 if the team makes the playoffs in 2018-19, and another $250,000 if it wins the Stanley Cup.

Chara could have become an unrestricted free agent July 1, but the Bruins were expected to retain his services for a 13th season with the club.

The $5-million base salary is a $1-million raise over this season, but that's due to the front-loaded nature of the extension he signed in 2011.

The 41-year-old is the longest-tenured captain in the NHL, and has won both the Norris Trophy and Stanley Cup during his time in Boston.

In 68 games this year, Chara has recorded seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points with a plus-26 rating while averaging a team-high "23:00 of ice time per game.

Chara is currently sidelined due to injury, but is expected to return prior to the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Copyright (C) 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.