BHN Puck Links: Chara Almost Signed with…the Canadiens?!

While Boston Bruins fans mourn the free agent departure of longtime captain Zdeno Chara, it could have been even worse. Imagine if Chara signed with the Montreal Canadiens?

Friends of Boston Hockey Now Eric Engels of Sportsnet and Renaud Lavoie, both reported that the Habs made a push to sign Zdeno Chara and that the 6-foot-9, 250-pound rearguard actually expressed mutual interest due to Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin’s successful offseason. Bergevin traded for longtime Bruins’ NHL Trade target Josh Anderson and also signed another recent Bruins NHL Trade and free agent target, Tyler Toffoli. 

The thought of Zdeno Chara in bleu, blanc, rouge is likely vomit-inducing for both Bruins and Habs fans but it appears like it almost happened. Hey, at least the Bruins wouldn’t have to face what surely will be a motivated and revenge-seeking Chara eight times this season if he headed north to Montreal. (98.5 The Sports Hub) 

Told the @CanadiensMTL were trying to sign Zdeno Chara. He liked the way the team was build in MTL during the off season but decided not to play for a Canadian team because of issues related to COVID-19. His family will stay in Boston during the season.

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) December 30, 2020

Zdeno Chara may have signed with the Washington Capitals for just $795,000 but if the 43-year-old veteran defenseman can reach his bonuses he could double that by the end of the one-year contract. (RussianMachineNeverBreaks.com)

In case you missed it, my partner in crime at BHN, Joe Haggerty, gave our subscribers an inside and in-depth look at what led to the Bruins and Zdeno Chara parting ways. (Boston Hockey Now)

The tributes and well wishes from now-former Bruins teammates, Boston sports legends, and fans have been flowing on social media but one of the most touching got to the root of who Zdeno Chara truly is and why his legacy is cemented in Boston and the local community. Friend of yours truly Matt Brown is a former Norwood High School Hockey player that was paralyzed in a game back in the fall of 2010. Almost immediately after the tragic accident on the ice, Chara not only was there for Matty but also for his teammates who were and always will be emotionally scarred as well. (Boston.com)

Just a few days after my accident, Zdeno stopped by and surprised the team at a pasta dinner. He talked with the boys, stayed for an hour, and took pictures with everyone. He knew life was more than just the game of hockey and he exhibited that time and time again in Boston. pic.twitter.com/ad7T9WjgLe

— Matt Brown (@mjb_3) December 31, 2020

In another case of ICYMI, there may not have been a Winter Classic on New Year’s Day Friday, but according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, there will be NHL hockey outdoors this season and the Bruins will be part of it. (Boston Hockey Now)

Are the Ottawa Senators about to activate the NHL trade market again? (SpectorsHockey.net)

We already know how multifaceted Brent Burns is on the ice, being both a forward and defenseman, but did you know he’s a Viking too? In fact, he injured himself being one. (San Jose Hockey Now)

Finally, for Murph’s Music Pick of The Day, I know it’s January 2 but since I didn’t write the Puck Links yesterday, Happy New Year!