Islanders' Zdeno Chara: Returning Thursday

Chara (illness) will play against visiting Washington on Thursday.

Chara sat out Tuesday's game in Washington with the illness, but he's ready to return. Three of the 45-year-old's 13 points in 2021-22 have come in his last seven games played, and though it's unknown whether Chara will retire after this season, he isn't expected to return to the Islanders once free agency opens.