Zdeno Chára, #3 (born March 18, 1977) is an elite ice hockey defenceman playing for the Ottawa Senators. At 6'9" (2.06 m), he is the tallest player ever to play in the National Hockey League.

Chára was born in Trencin, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia). His father was an Olympic wrestler. He was drafted 56th overall by the New York Islanders in the 1996 NHL entry draft . He was a promising but not spectacular player in New York. During the 2001 draft , was traded to the Senators as part of a package with Bill Muckalt and the second overall pick (used to draft Jason Spezza) in exchange for disgruntled superstar Alexei Yashin.

Chára quickly became one of the core players on Ottawa blueline constantly being number two in minutes played after Wade Redden. Over the last two seasons he has been one of the top plus in the league in terms of plus/minus. While not the best skater his reach and weight make him a formidable opponent. He is often placed in the slot, where it is extremely difficult for other players to move him.

In 2003 Chára made his first appearance at the NHL All-Star game , and in the skills competition recorded the second hardest shot after Al MacInnis.

Chára has played for Slovakia in two World Cups. Note that his name is pronounced [xa:ra] in Slovak.