Defenseman Zdeno Chara has signed a one-year contract with the New York Islanders for his 24th NHL season, rejoining the organization that originally drafted him in 1996.
Chara, 44, played last season with the Washington Capitals, appearing in 55 games and contributing two goals and eight assists. He joined Washington on a one-year contract. An unrestricted free agent, this is the fourth straight one-year deal Chara has signed.
The 6-foot-9 defenseman was drafted in the third round (56th overall) in 1996 by the Islanders. He played 231 games for them from 1997-2001 before general manager Mike Milbury sent him, winger Bill Muckalt and a first-round pick that became center Jason Spezza to the Ottawa Senators for center Alexei Yashin -- a transaction that still holds a place of infamy for Islanders fans.