Bruins' Zdeno Chara not planning to retire after 2019-20 season

Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara is 43-years-old, but that doesn't mean he has plans to retire following the end of the 2019-20 season.

Although many wondered whether or not the blueliner would return for another season, he provided some clarity on his situation in an interview with Sportsnet's Louie DeBrusk and Scott Oake on "After Hours."

“Definitely not getting ahead of myself. I’m still in the present and I still believe that we’re going to play some sort of hockey this season,” Chara said Sunday. "But that’s where I’m at. I’m not getting too ahead of myself. Obviously, I still love the game. I still love going out there and compete, and if everything is right, I still want to play.”

If the Bruins manage to win the Stanley Cup this season, provided the campaign resumes, there's still a possibility that Chara retires on a high note. 

The defenseman has tallied 656 points (205 goals, 451 assists) in 22 NHL seasons with the Bruins, New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators. Chara has spent a majority of his time with Boston — captaining the team to three Stanley Cup Finals appearances and one title in 14 seasons. 

While many Bruins fans are conflicted about having a 43-year-old defenseman on their roster, Chara is still a solid player and arguably still is the B's best defenseman. If he does decide to hang up the skates, he will have had a phenomenal career.