Agent: Chara 'looking at all options' in free agency

There's no guarantee Zdeno Chara will be in gold and black if he decides to play in the NHL next season.

Chara's agent said his client is "looking at all options" in free agency, TSN's Pierre LeBrun relayed on Thursday's "Insider Trading."

LeBrun added the Boston Bruins are the front-runner, but other teams continue to call about the defenseman's services.

Chara's decision on his future also apparently hinges on next season's format, which hasn't been determined. The league is targeting Jan. 1 as a start date.

The 43-year-old has spent the last 14 campaigns in Boston, winning a Stanley Cup as the team's captain in 2011. The 6-foot-9 rearguard registered 14 points in 68 games last season while averaging 21:01 per contest.

The Bruins' defense - specifically on the left side - could look awfully different if Chara doesn't return. Fellow lefty Torey Krug signed with the St. Louis Blues on the first day free agency opened, and no external replacements have been added on Boston's blue line.