Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara just became the oldest active NHL player

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Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara is now the elder statesman of the NHL.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cullen, who will turn 43 in November, officially retired on Wednesday. Chara, as a result, has become the oldest active player in the league. Chara turned 42 on March 18 and is 136 days younger than Cullen.

Chara will continue playing at least through the 2019-20 season after signing a one-year, $2 million contract with the Bruins. The B's captain will turn 43 during upcoming season. The last 43-year-old to play for the Bruins was Mark Recchi during the 2010-11 campaign.

Chara made his NHL debut in 1997-98 for the New York Islanders. He has spent the last 13 seasons with the Bruins.

The oldest player in NHL history was a 52-year-old Gordie Howe in 1980.

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