Where Does Zdeno Chara Rank Among The NHL's Best Defensemen?
Zdeno Chara recently earned his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame, sparking debate about his standing among the greatest NHL defensemen ever.
Hall of Fame Induction
Chara was honored as one of the newest Hall of Fame members, recognizing his remarkable career and contributions to hockey.
Top 10 Defenseman Debate
Though Chara is undoubtedly an all-time great, placing him in the NHL's top 10 defensemen is contentious. Ranking him in the top 10 would mean excluding iconic players such as:
- Nicklas Lidstrom
- Bobby Orr
- Denis Potvin
- Ray Bourque
- Paul Coffey
- Doug Harvey
- Larry Robinson
- Chris Chelios
- Chris Pronger
- Scott Stevens
The consensus is that Chara ranks below each of these legends.
Top 15 and Beyond
Chara comfortably fits into a top 15 discussion, alongside players like Al MacInnis, Brian Leetch, Scott Niedermayer, and Brad Park. Modern stars such as Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, and Victor Hedman could eventually join this debate once their careers conclude.
"Chara’s impact is considerable."
His influence on the game, leadership, and longevity ensure his place among the elite NHL defensemen, even if not in the top 10.
Author's Summary
Zdeno Chara is a Hall of Famer whose legacy secures him a spot among the NHL's top 15 defensemen, though not quite in the top 10 all-time list.
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