Zdeno Chara wants to return to Boston Bruins for next season

"I feel strong physically…I'm positive and I believe I can still play this game and contribute to the team and I want to stay in Boston," he told the media, per NHL.com. 

"I want to be a Boston Bruin. I want to continue to lead by example and share my experiences and my game skills with the younger players and my teammates. That hasn't changed. I'm committed. We'll see what's gonna happen next."

Chara's season came to an end on Monday after the Bruins were eliminated from the postseason by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The seven-time All-Star who won the Norris Trophy in 2009 would like to pursue a second Stanley Cup with the club that's been his professional hockey home since the summer of 2006. 

"I'm committed to the Boston Bruins," he said. "I'm committed to the Boston fans and the City of Boston. I'm excited about the future of this team. We are gonna do whatever we can to win another Stanley Cup. I can't really reflect on some of the rumors. I have not heard any of these rumors directly and I dismissed any comments or conversations about this matter [during the season] because it might cause unnecessary distractions to my teammates and the organization.

"I expressed to my agent that I would like him to meet with management and make that my priority, the sooner the better, and see what the future holds."

Chara is set to be a free agent but added that he's confident a deal with the organization will get done. 

"I love Boston," he said. "I love the city. I think we have the best fans in the world. I have no plans to move or go anywhere else. We will see what the future holds."

Chara is set to become a free agent after playing for Boston on a one-year contract worth $2 million.