Zdeno Chara to miss Bruins’ opening game with upper body injury

Zdeno Chara is checked into the boards by New York Rangers' Ryan Bourque during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game. Winslow Townson / AP

By Henry McKenna @McKennAnalysis

October 8, 2015

1 minute to read

The Bruins will open the season without their captain Zdeno Chara.

Bruins head coach Claude Julien announced after the team’s morning skate on Thursay that Chara won’t be ready when the team starts its 2015-2016 season against the Winnipeg Jets on at 7 p.m. at TD Garden.

The 38-year-old defensemen suffered an undisclosed upper body injury in the Bruins’ first preseason game on Sept. 24

[fragment number=0]“It’s getting better every day,’’ Julien said. “It is. There’s no doubt today [Thursday] he felt better than yesterday [Wednesday], so we’re hoping that it’s going to be sooner than later and that could be next game for all we know.’’

Chara returned to Bruins practice on Tuesday.

“He’s such a presence in the room and on the ice, whether it’s just in practice, so it’s great to see him improving,’’ Brad Marchand told Bruins.com Tuesday. “Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.’’