Chara continues rehab

Zdeno Chara should be ready to thump by the regular season. (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)

Zdeno Chara, on the ice at Ristuccia Arena the last two days, said everything is progressing well with the rehab process on his left shoulder.

"The surgery went well," said Chara, who had an ice pack on his left shoulder after this morning's skate. "So basically now I'm on the rehab program."

On April 29, Chara underwent surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital to repair a torn labrum. Chara suffered the injury while taking a slap shot against Washington on March 8. Chara missed the following five games but returned for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs.

Chara has been skating and moving without limitations during this week's informal on-ice sessions, which were limited in physical play. Chara wasn't sure whether he would be ready to play in any of the eight preseason games.

"It's hard to say," Chara said. "Obviously being close to 100 percent is the first priority."

Chara acknowledged being behind at this stage of September compared to other years. Chara, a cycling enthusiast, was unable to ride this summer because of the surgery and was limited to a stationary bike. Chara, however, traveled to Mozambique on behalf of Right To Play, then climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

ANALYSIS: Chara was told that the rehab and recovery process would take four to six months. So far, Chara appears to be right on schedule. Expect Chara to have limited (if any) game action during the preseason. But the Boston captain should be ready for the regular season. Chara was the team's MVP last season and a Norris Trophy finalist, so he must remain healthy.