Montreal Canadiens: Retiring Andrei Markov’s Number
Although he hasn’t won a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens, Andrei Markov’s number should be retired at the end of his career.
Winning a Stanley Cup is what every NHL player dreams of. To make the NHL at all is a massive accomplishment already, but there is a deep desire to hoist Stanley up above their heads in June. Having your number retired is another possible dream that isn’t talked about most by a player. The Montreal Canadiens are no strangers in that department.
So far, the Canadiens have fifteen numbers hanging from the rafters at the Bell Centre. Howie Morenz was the first to have his number retired back in 1937. Morenz played 460 games for the Canadiens and had his number 7 retired to honour his life and his career after he passed away.
Other players to have their numbers retired by the Montreal Canadiens include:
- Maurice Richard #9
- Jean Beliveau #4
- Henri Richard and Elmer Lach #16
- Guy Lafleur #10
- Doug Harvey #2
- Jacques Plante #1
- Dickie Moore and Yvan Cournoyer #12
- Bernie Geoffrion and Guy Lapointe #5
- Serge Savard #18
- Ken Dryden #29
- Larry Robinson #19
- Bob Gainey #23
- Patrick Roy #33
- Èmile “Butch” Bouchard #3
Every one of these players honoured the Canadiens well. On top of that, they were all Stanley Cup winners. Despite not having won a Stanley Cup yet, long-time Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov should have his number retired when he decides to hang them up.
Related Story: Andrei Markov Is Moving On
Hanging #79
Markov was originally drafted by the Canadiens in the 6th round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, he as put up a 119 goals and 453 assists for a total of 572 points. That point total tied him for second in points by a Canadiens’ defencemen with Guy Lapointe. Additionally, his assists total leaves him 6th (ironically) in franchise history. There is no player currently on the roster that is even close to that.
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To continue on with the six trend, Markov is also 6th in most games played. He would’ve definitely hit 1000 games with the Canadiens if he played another season as he sits at 990.
Although he left the team without winning a cup, there is a chance that he could return one day and finish the job. Regardless, Markov will be remembered as one of the greatest blue-liners on the Montreal Canadiens. He was loved and respected by his teammates as well as the entire city of Montreal.
The fan reaction to his departure speaks to how much he meant to the team. A player’s number is retired to honour his accomplishments with the franchise. Markov has definitely done enough to deserve the recognition. It would look very wrong to see any other player wear Markov’s 79. Why not raise it to the rafters where it belongs when all is said and done.