Chara committed to returning for 23rd NHL season

All signs point toward Zdeno Chara returning to the Boston Bruins for the 2020-21 campaign.

The towering 43-year-old blue-liner conducted his season-ending press conference Thursday, and as a pending unrestricted free agent, was asked what his future holds.

"I feel strong physically," Chara said, per NBC Boston's Joe Haggerty. "I'm positive and feel like I can still play and contribute to this team. I want to be a Boston Bruin. That hasn’t changed."

Chara added what comes next is up to management and his agent, but he appears fully committed to returning for a 23rd NHL season.

In an Instagram post Thursday thanking Bruins' fans for their support this season, part of Chara's caption read: "See you next season, hopefully with a full stadium of passionate Boston Bruins fans cheering us on."

Chara is currently 15th on the all-time games played list, but he isn't interested in chasing individual accolades. His focus is solely on helping Boston win.

"My dreams are not reaching stats. My dream is to compete and be in the ice in crucial situations and defend when it matters," Chara said, according to Michael Hurley of CBS Boston.

Chara has signed a one-year contract in each of the past two offseasons, with his most recent deal paying him $2 million. The Bruins have over $15 million in projected cap space next season, according to Cap Friendly. However, Torey Krug is a UFA, while Jake DeBrusk and Matt Grzelcyk are both in need of a new contract as RFA's.

Chara signed with the Bruins for the 2006-07 season and has suited up in over 1,000 games for the club. He's a five-time All-Star since joining Boston, while also capturing a Norris Trophy and Stanley Cup. This past season, he notched 14 points in 68 games while averaging over 21 minutes per contest.