Montreal Canadiens fans took to Twitter to voice their opinions after it was announced that Andrei Markov will not be returning to the team.
For a lot of Montreal Canadiens fans Andrei Markov was more than a player. He was the embodiment of what it meant to be a Hab. Determined, passionate, and most importantly loyal.
Markov was on the team when the points were harder to obtain. Before there was Carey Price, or Alex Galchenyuk, or Max Pacioretty. Before there was definite hope and possibility that a Stanley Cup could be brought back to Montreal. Fans could imagine Pacioretty raising the Cup if the Habs were to win it, and handing it off to Markov.
However, that can’t happen. Markov will no longer be a Montreal Canadien. The 38-year-old wont even be an NHL player anymore as he has decided to return to Russia to play in the KHL.
Related Story: More on the Andrei Markov Departure
By how much Markov meant to the city and the fans, and with how high the desire was to keep him, you could expect the reactions to be intense. In fact, the reactions could be grouped into three categories: critical, sad, and accepting.
Here are a few examples of some of the reactions on Twitter.
Critical
The #Habs player that will suffer most from Markov's departure is Shea Weber. #Habs have 0 Dmen that distribute the puck as well as 79 did.
— William Proulx (@realproulx2) July 27, 2017
"Let's ditch the guy whose entire career has been devoted to the #Habs blue line for an older, recycled d-man." - Habs management. #DumbMove
— (((𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖘𝖆))) (@lissa77) July 27, 2017
In just over a 365 day span the #Habs lost both Subban and Markov. At least they got something back for Subban.
— Shaun Starr (@ShaunStarr78) July 27, 2017
Sad
No Markov for the #Habs is absolutely heartbreaking.
— Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) July 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/EneaBrandonenea/status/890574551746326528
Sad day for #Habs fans.
— Vindaloo Diesel (@arune) July 27, 2017
That's not an indictment of the team nor Markov, but I don't know that anyone wins here. https://t.co/hQ5vYkIdH6
I'll miss Markov, a lot. I'm upset that he won't be with us next season, but the summer isn't over yet. More moves to come. #Habs
— Justin (@jdivvy94) July 27, 2017
The #Habs no longer have either of my faves 😭 pic.twitter.com/vqTuScux5y
— Caitlyn Golem 🏒⚾🩴 (@CaitlynGolem) July 27, 2017
Accepting
Always interesting talking...or trying to talk...with Andrei. Good luck wherever your next team is. #Habs https://t.co/v1dpl3sTPi
— Rick Moffat (@RickMoffat) July 27, 2017
Thank you 79 & good luck for the future #Habs
— Frank Lévesque (@FrankLevesque09) July 27, 2017
Whatever the future holds for Andrei Markov, I wish him the best of luck. Will be strange not seeing him in a #Habs uniform.
— Joseph Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) July 27, 2017
2 yrs ago Markov invited me to a #Habs game bought me to meet the whole team, he was one the nicest players I ever met. Good luck in the KHL pic.twitter.com/TFKDl2UkBa
— Peter Alper (@PeteAlper) July 27, 2017
From the looks of it, there were more Montreal Canadiens fans who were angry with GM Marc Bergevin. The jury is out and many are considering this offseason to be a failure despite the trades and other signings the team has made.
However, Bergevin still has time to complete the roster he envisions. The Habs have $8.5 million left in cap space, and therefore have the flexibility to wheel-and-deal with other teams. The city of Montreal may be willing to set aside the pitchforks if Bergevin can add another key piece.
Did you take to Twitter to voice your opinion on the departure? If so, what did you say? Will the Habs regret not re-signing Markov? Let us know what you think in the comments!