Zdeno Chara expected to retire after 24 seasons and 1,880 games

Living legend Zdeno Chara is reportedly expected to retire from the NHL this offseason after 24 seasons and 1,880 career games split between the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals and a second stint with the Islanders.

He put up 209 goals and 680 points in 1680 career regular season games, was the Bruins' captain for 14 seasons, won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman and hoisted the Stanley Cup as captain of the Bruins in 2011. Oh... and he's literally the biggest man to ever hit the ice in the NHL. All in all, I'd say that's one Hell of a career.

In his prime Chara was an intimidating force like few others before him. Standing over 7' tall on skates, he literally towered over his opponents and his nasty streak made him arguably the most feared man in hockey. There have been plenty of players before and after him who had size and strength, but few combined it with Chara's toughness and competitiveness. He was not only big and strong, but he was a mean MF'er too. But, at the same time, he was also a skilled defender with underrated offensive skills. He could boom the puck, but he was no slouch skating through traffic and making plays too. I mean... just check out this highlight reel:

In my eyes he's a first ballot Hall of Famer and potentially the greats Slovakian in hockey history. He's one of the Bruins' greatest captains in history, as well and I have no doubt that his #33 will be hanging from the rafters at TD Garden in short order.