The departure of Zdeno Chara from the Ottawa Senators remains one of the most significant moments in franchise history, a decision that would ultimately shape the future of two NHL organizations.
The Fateful Day: July 1, 2006
On July 1, 2006, the landscape of the Ottawa Senators changed forever when Zdeno Chara signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract with the Boston Bruins. The deal carried an average annual value of $7.5 million, making the towering defenseman one of the highest-paid players in the league at that time.
Ironically, while Chara was finalizing his move to Beantown, the man responsible for bringing him to Boston was sitting in the bowels of what was then known as the Corel Centre in Ottawa. Peter Chiarelli, who had been hired by the Bruins on May 26, 2006, was still technically employed by the Senators due to tampering allegations that prevented him from immediately starting his new role with Boston.
Chiarelli's Secret Boston Plan
Chiarelli had presented Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs and his son Charlie with a comprehensive five-year plan to build a Stanley Cup contender, and Chara was identified as a cornerstone of that vision. However, the circumstances surrounding Chiarelli's transition created an unusual situation.
"I could only do certain tasks, but I was able to speak to potential coaches, and I was allowed to hire Don Sweeney before I could start," Chiarelli revealed in an interview from Boston before a scouting trip for his current role as vice-president of hockey operations with the St. Louis Blues.
While Chiarelli couldn't actively recruit players due to his contractual obligations with Ottawa, he could participate in meetings and provide player lists. "When they signed Chara on July 1, he was there because he wanted the opportunity, but also because he knew me, trusted me, and knew I'd be leading it," Chiarelli explained.
The Senators' Impossible Choice
The Senators found themselves in a difficult position with the NHL's salary cap forcing them to choose between two elite defensemen. Both Chara and fellow blueliner Wade Redden were offered identical two-year contracts worth $6 million each by Ottawa.
Chiarelli recognized the Senators' predicament and understood that Ottawa couldn't afford to retain both players under the cap constraints. This created the perfect opportunity for Boston to pursue the 6-foot-9 defenseman who would become the foundation of their rebuilding efforts.
Ultimately, Redden decided to remain with the Senators on a two-year contract valued at $13 million, which meant the organization had to part ways with Chara. This decision would have lasting implications for both franchises.
The story comes full circle as Chara prepares for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday night, while Chiarelli will be watching from Sweden where he's scouting for the St. Louis Blues. The memories of that pivotal day in 2006 remain vivid for both men and serve as a reminder of how one decision can alter the course of multiple NHL franchises.
