Legendary defenseman Zdeno Chara took to the ice with the Capitals starters for the first time on Wednesday. In doing so, he replaced prospect defenseman Martin Fehervary in the lineup, who was re-assigned to the afternoon practice for prospects.

However, Fehervary, who may have initially lost a full-time roll with the team due to the signing of Chara, is pleased to get an opportunity to learn from the legend and fellow countryman.

“First of all, I was really surprised by it, but on the other hand I’m very happy about it and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play with one of the greatest legends of Slovak hockey or the entire NHL,” Fehérváry told TA3 . “It’s really great to have a player like that here. We have two great leaders here and it will definitely be interesting. “

The 21-year-old native of Bratislava sees forty-three-year-old Chara as competition in the fight for a place in the line-up. But without him, he already had a lot of competition for the overcrowding of the blueline on the team. Nevertheless, he trusts himself and wants to follow up on the eight games he played for the Capitals last year during the regular season and the playoffs.

“Of course, I still perceive it as a competition for me, but on the other hand I’m happy. As I say, Zdeno can teach me a lot and I will try to learn as much as possible from him. I firmly believe that it will help me and I personally believe that I will play or that I will play. I will do everything to make it so,” said Fehérváry, who was training in the fourth pair alongside Trevor van Riemsdyk at the beginning of training camp.

By Jon Sorensen