Editor In Leaf
Fansided

3 Veteran Defenseman Toronto Maple Leafs Should Give PTO

By Stephen Nixon

Jan 22, 2022; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) and Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Wayne Simmonds (24) collide along the boards during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2022; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) and Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Wayne Simmonds (24) collide along the boards during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Torotno Maple Leafs
ELMONT, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Zdeno Chara #33 of the New York Islanders skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena on April 29, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Toronto Maple Leafs Potential PTOs: No. 1: Zdeno Chara

He may be 45-years-old, but the one thing that never changes about him is his size. As Mike Babcock always said, “you can’t teach size.”

At 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, Chara will always be an intimidating factor and someone who can clear the front of the net.

His footspeed is obviously slowing down, but if he still wants to play, why not give him a PTO and see what he’s made of in training camp?

Over the past few years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have always been criticized for their toughness and grit, especially in the playoffs. Who better to fill that role and play that part than Chara, who has over 2,000 PIM’s in his career?

I know it sounds crazy to bring in a player who was drafted to the NHL one year before Auston Matthews was born, but with age, comes experience and that knowledge on the blue-line would be very valuable.

A PTO is a low-risk situation and if Chara falters in training camp, no big deal. Don’t sign him to a contract and move on. However, if he proves that he still has some juice left, it could be a perfect fit for both parties.

Home/Editorials