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Montreal Canadiens: Weighing The Pros and Cons of Bringing Back Andrei Markov

By Ken MacMillan

Ak Bars player Andrei Markov celebrates with his medal after winning the final match of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) against CSKA at the Tatneft Arena in Kazan on April 22, 2018. (Photo by Roman Kruchinin / AFP) (Photo credit should read ROMAN KRUCHININ/AFP/Getty Images)
Ak Bars player Andrei Markov celebrates with his medal after winning the final match of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) against CSKA at the Tatneft Arena in Kazan on April 22, 2018. (Photo by Roman Kruchinin / AFP) (Photo credit should read ROMAN KRUCHININ/AFP/Getty Images) /
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MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 20: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov (79) (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 20: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov (79) (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The case for signing Markov

Markov proved over 16 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens to be an excellent two-way defenceman. He was capable of putting up 60 points and running the power play, and also had no problem shutting down opponent’s best players and playing a big role on the penalty kill.

There was no situation where you had to staple Markov to the bench. Down a goal late in the game? Get Markov out there to move the puck up ice and jump into the play. The man is a genius with the puck on his stick and makes passes that most players can’t pull off on a video game. Up a goal late in the game? You need Markov out there to neutralize the opposition attack and calmly get the puck out of trouble. Power play? Penalty kill? Heck, even three on three overtime and you are confident Markov can get the job done.

He was never a player that would run to the media looking for attention to pat himself on the back after a job well done. He is a pretty quiet guy. That doesn’t mean he isn’t a good leader. P.K. Subban sung the praises of Markov during their time together and still gives Markov credit for making him a better defenceman.

The Canadiens are going to have a carousel of young right defencemen playing games next season. Noah Juulsen is coming back from a scary eye injury and will play some games with the Habs. Cale Fleury had an excellent rookie campaign with the Laval Rocket and could be an early call-up. Josh Brook is more of a long shot to get NHL action this season but will be given a long look during the preseason.

Wouldn’t it be great if this trio of young, exciting blue line prospects got to play with an intelligent, veteran partner like Markov next season? The Russian would be a wealth of knowledge for them and a steadying presence on the ice beside them.

Not to mention the young left shooting, puck carrying, offensive minded defenceman they already have in Victor Mete. He seems to have all the tools to be a great two-way defender, but hasn’t been able to put it all together just yet, especially offensively.

Hrmm, I wonder who could teach him a thing or two about sneaking in the back door on the left side of the ice and creating plays when entering the attacking zone?

Markov would be an upgrade on what Mike Reilly brought to the lineup last season. Reilly is currently looking like he will be the seventh defenceman that hangs around and plays sparingly. Markov could step in from time to time and have a bigger impact.

There are some legacy reasons to bring back Markov as well. With another point he would jump into second place all-time in Montreal Canadiens defencemen scoring. With ten more games he would reach the 1000 game plateau for the only NHL team he has ever known. He wants to come back and do it, and it would avoid an awkward parting with one of the best Canadiens players we have seen this century.

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