Rosner Wrap: Chara’s Legendary Career Comes to an End, MacKinnon gets PAID

Good morning folks. Tomorrow, Thursday, is the first day of New York Islanders training camp as can you believe there’s a preseason game coming up next week? Time certainly flies, as the rookie camp came and event and now it’s time for the NHLers to hit the ice.

On Tuesday, three defensemen retired from the NHL in Zdeno Chara, P.K. Subban and Keith Yandle.

Zdeno Chara’s last NHL season came with the New York Islanders, as his career came full circle, given that the Islanders drafted him back in 1996.

After 19 years away from the island, 11 years with the Boston Bruins, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011, Chara returned to Long Island for the 2021-22 season. He was a mentor to Noah Dobson, who broke out under his tutelage and served as a leader to everyone in the locker room.

He is undoubtedly a first-ballot Hall of Famer as he will enter the Hall, eventually, as a Boston Bruins. He signed a one-day contract with Boston, a city he played 11 years in, captaining them to the 2011 Stanley Cup victory.

During his retirement press conference, he thanked the New York Islanders for drafting and believing in him to management in his final season.

“I was very fortunate and happy to be drafted by the Islanders in 1996. So I would like to thank Mike Milbury for taking a chance on me as well as Chris Pryor and Brad McCrimmon for helping me with my development,” Chara said. “I want to also thank my first NHL coach Rick Bowness, for giving me a chance on November 19, 1997, to step for the first time on the NHL ice.”

“The Islanders were also part of my last career game. I would like to take this moment to thank Mr. Lou Lamoriello and his staff, and Coach Barry Trotz with his team for everything during my time on Long Island last year.”

Teammates of Zdeno Chara, organizations in which he played for to organizations he never suited up for, took to social media to thank him. Here are a few of the Twitter posts:

Congratulations on a AMAZING career Big Zee! They may need a bigger door for you to fit through where you are going. #HHOF pic.twitter.com/X7LpuN4RZZ

— Johnny Boychuk 🇺🇦 (@joboych) September 20, 2022

Zdeno, your arrival in Boston kickstarted an era to remember. Your unparalleled leadership, commitment, and character shaped a culture that will carry on.

Thank you for everything you have done for our team, our organization, our city, and our game.

Congratulations, Big Zee! pic.twitter.com/eaMNnx4K6V

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 20, 2022

CHARA…CHARA…CHARA!

Relive last year's special moment when #33 scored a goal in the last minute of his last NHL game. He was named the first star and interviewed by @Shannon_Hogan postgame. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/2WAERXMkPU

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) September 20, 2022

Zdeno Chara has announced his retirement from the National Hockey League.

Congratulations on an amazing career, and thank you for your time with the #Sens ! pic.twitter.com/b40nF1q8tz

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) September 20, 2022

Zdeno Chara was a legend and there will never be a player like Zdeno Chara ever again.

NYI Hockey Now:  Re-live Zdeno Chara’s final game of his NHL career, a game filled with magic, emotion, and honor. You will get chills. New York Islanders.

NYI Hockey Now: Tuesday, Sept. 20, marked the conclusion of New York Islanders rookie camp. Over the course of the last week, 22 New York Islanders skaters, along with three goaltenders, hit the ice to showcase their skill sets. Here’s our analysis and observations. New York Islanders.

NYI Hockey Now: New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal sat down with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek of the ‘32 Thoughts’ podcast during NHL media week up in Vegas,  answering a ton of questions, including one’s about his teammate, Ilya Sorokin. New York Islanders.

NYI Hockey Now: Week two of the NFL season is in the books, but with a new week comes a new promo courtesy of DraftKings sportsbook. Although the new promo does not guarantee you money, a successful $5 bet will land you a free $200. New York Islanders.

Boston Hockey Now: After being away from his family for the last two seasons, former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara knew it was time to retire from the NHL. Sure his 45-year-old but still chiseled body was starting to feel it’s age on and off the ice, but when it came down to deciding whether or not he should play a 26th season in the NHL, Chara chose to be a full-time Dad instead. Boston Bruins.

Philly Hockey Now: When last season ended, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Keith Yandle told his teammates he had played his last game, said fellow blue liner Nick Seeler at the time. He announced it officially Tuesday while doing the Spitting Chiclets podcast. Philadelphia Flyers.

Montreal Hockey Now: P.K. Subban provided Canadiens fans with a plethora of fantastic memories during his time in Montreal. With the announcement of his retirement, it’s the perfect time to relive some of those great moments. Montreal Canadiens.

Colorado Hockey Now: Nathan MacKinnon is officially under contract with the Colorado Avalanche for the next nine years. The Avalanche just made the announcement official: eight-year extension, with a cap hit of $12.6 million. That officially makes him the highest-paid player in the NHL, exceeding Connor McDavid’s cap hit by $100,000. Colorado Avalanche.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Vegas Golden Knights have officially announced that they will be making their gold jerseys their primary home jerseys for the 2022-23 season and beyond. After much speculation, the announcement came on Tuesday and is being marketed as the start of “The Golden Age.” Vegas Hockey Now.