Veteran Chara reaches deal with Capitals

The Washington Capitals agreed to terms with former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara on a one- year, $ 795,000 contract, the team announced on Wednesday.

“We are extremely pleased to have Zdeno join the Capitals organization,” Capitals GM Brian Maclellan said.

“We feel his experience and leadership will strengthen our blue line and our team.”

Chara, 43, took to Instagram to officially say goodbye to Boston. The 6- 9 defenceman had served as the longest- tenured captain in the league prior to the deal — he had worn the “C” for the Bruins since his first season in Boston in 2006- 07.

“Recently, the Boston Bruins have informed me that they plan to move forward with their many younger and talented players and I respect their decision,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, my time as the proud captain of the Bruins has come to an end.”

A seven- time All- Star and 2009 Norris Trophy winner, Chara has recorded 656 career points ( 205 goals, 451 assists) in 1,553 career games with the New York Islanders (1997-2001), Ottawa Senators ( 2001- 06) and Bruins. He helped Boston win the Stanley Cup in 2011.

MANZIEL TO RESUME CAREER AT STARTUP

Former U. S. college standout Johnny Manziel, whose much- hyped NFL career fizzled after two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, will return to the gridiron with Fan Controlled Football, the startup league said on Wednesday.

Manziel will make his FCF debut when the inaugural season of a four-team league where fans call plays and make roster decisions kicks off on Feb. 13.

All FCF games will be held at a single Atlanta facility and the setup is built for high- scoring action given a 7- vs.-7 style of football on a 50- yard field with 10- yard end zones.