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BOSTON -- The Bruins' battered blue line took another hit Thursday night.

Defenseman Zdeno Chara exited his preseason debut against the New York Rangers after skating just three shifts. The Bruins after the first period announced that Chara had suffered an upper body injury and would not return.

Chara, who was paired Thursday with 18-year-old Brandon Carlo on Boston's top defensive tandem, logged 1:57 of ice time and recorded one shot on goal.

The injury comes at an inopportune time for the Bruins, who earlier this week announced blueliner Dennis Seidenberg would undergo back surgery and miss the next eight weeks. Boston also still is determining how to fill the void created by Dougie Hamilton's departure to Calgary this past offseason.

Chara, who is entering his 10th season as captain of the Bruins, tallied eight goals and 12 assists in 63 games last season. A torn PCL last October sidelined him for nearly two months.

Thumbnail photo via James Guillory/USA TODAY Sports Images