Report: Bruins looking at trade market before re-signing Zdeno Chara

Boston Bruins president Cam Neely didn't provide any clarity on Zdeno Chara's contract situation on Monday. The longtime Bruins captain is currently a free agent, and with the 2020-21 campaign set to open on Jan. 13, a decision will need to be made on his future very soon. 

However, Chara might not land a deal with Boston before training camp opens on Jan. 3. Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic reports the Bruins are looking at the trade market to improve their defense before committing to bringing Chara back for a 15th season. 

“Not sure,” a league source told Shinzawa of Chara's contract negotiations. “Feels like they are waiting to see if the trade market opens anything up first.”

The Bruins appear to be willing to bring Chara back, though it would likely mean decreased playing time for the 43-year-old, who will turn 44 in March. If he's unwilling to take on a smaller role, Chara could seek his second Stanley Cup title elsewhere. 

Boston has been linked to Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin in recent weeks. However, it appears the Flames want Ondrej Kase included in a potential trade, and there's been no word on if the Bruins would be willing to part ways with the winger. 

Hanifin has four years remaining on his six-year, $29.7 million contract, which comes with a $4.95 million cap hit. It's unclear if Boston would be willing to take on the contract. 

It's also unclear which other defensemen the Bruins might be targeting.