Zdeno Chara Sets Record For Most Games Played by a Defenseman

When the puck was dropped on Thursday night in San Jose, New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara set a new NHL record for most games played by a defenseman in NHL history. The 44-year old has now played in 1,652 games (regular season), passing Hall of Famer Chris Chelios.

The San Jose Sharks acknowledge Chara's most games played by a defenseman record and Patrick Marleau shares his congratulations pic.twitter.com/cEt6mglycJ

— Isles on MSG+ (@IslesMSGN) February 25, 2022

The New York Islanders and the MSG broadcast put together a fantastic video montage of Chara’s teammates, past and present, congratulating him on his historic achievement:

Teammates past and present come together to all say – Congrats Big Z 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Rrrlb8pKnp

— Isles on MSG+ (@IslesMSGN) February 25, 2022

Zdeno Chara has not been around this New York Islanders group long, having signed a one-year deal this past offseason. Chara was a third-round (56th overall) draft pick of the New York Islanders back in 1996 and was traded during the 2001 NHL Draft to the Ottawa Senators.

After 20 years away from the Island, he was back this season and has certainly left his mark on the guys in the locker room.

“Zdeno is probably one of the best leaders we’ve had in this league, not only all time but for the last 20 plus years,” New York Islanders captain Anders Lee said prior to the game. “And for me, and for all the guys in this room, I think you see his work ethic, you see how he carries himself, how humble he is. Anything that he has to offer, you take it up like a sponge.”

“He’s led phenomenal teams through a lot of different situations and you know, this season not a whole lot different with you know, the challenges that we faced as a team, with goals and expectations and I think he’s been a tremendous, tremendous help and asset in our room.”

Besides winning the Stanley Cup as captain of the Boston Bruins in 2011, he’s a six-time NHL All-Star. He won the Norris Trophy back in 2008-09, after a 19-goal, 31 assist season and not including that year, has finished with top-5 voting for the Norris Trophy seven times throughout his career.

Chara also won the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2011.

Internationally, Chara won the award for IIHF Best Defenseman in 2012 and has two Silver Medals (2000, 2012). In 2020, Chara became a member of the IIHF All-Time Slovakia Team.

For the players, the coaches, and the fans that have been able to see Zdeno Chara play over his 1,652 games in the NHL, the 6’8 defenseman from Slovakia will be remembered for his work ethic, his determination, his physicality, and his leadership on and off the ice.

Here are the records that Zdeno Chara holds:

-Most Games Played Amongst Defenseman in NHL History (1,652)

-Tallest Player in NHL history (6’9)

-First NHL Player Born in Eastern Bloc (Slovakia) to Captain an NHL Team to a Stanley Cup (2011)

-Won the NHL All-Star Skills Competition Hardest Shot 5 Times, The Most in NHL History

-Most Game 7 Playoff Appearances in NHL History

-Oldest Defenseman in NHL History to Score a Game-Winning Goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (42 Years, 30 Days)

-Oldest defenseman in NHL History to Score a Goal in the Stanley Cup Finals (42 Years, 83 Days)