Montreal Canadiens: Odds are Andrei Markov gets to 1000 GP elsewhere
By Omar L
Andrei Markov is heading back to the NHL and hit 1000 games, and with Allan Walsh, the task will be easier, even if it’s not with the Montreal Canadiens.
The last move the Montreal Canadiens made was signing Michael McCarron to his one-year contract extension. After that, Marc Bergevin‘s work was done, and it was a matter of waiting for the regular season to begin (or at least training camp). That was until Andrei Markov returned to Montreal.
It’s common knowledge that the 40-year-old wishes to return to the NHL. His deal in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan was up, and he reached the top with a Gargarin Cup in 2018. The goal for Markov now is to return to the big leagues (no offence KHL) and reach that 1000-game milestone perhaps winning a Stanley Cup along the way.
To push that goal forward even further, Markov hired Allan Walsh to be his agent. Montreal Canadiens fans should be very familiar with that name.
Walsh represents Jonathan Drouin and Max Pacioretty he was infamous last year with his social media presence on the latter’s trade journey. And as expected, the agent was on Twitter letting everyone know that Markov is getting ready to play this season.
Proud to announce that defenseman Andrei Markov is now a client. He’s been intensively training in Florida this summer and is determined to play in the NHL this season. Welcome to the #OctagonFamily
— Allan Walsh🏒 (@walsha) August 28, 2019
But what are Markov’s options?
We know he would welcome a return to Montreal and reach the milestone in the city he called home for 16 years. However, the left side is pretty full via Victor Mete, Ben Chiarot, Brett Kulak, and Mike Reilly. The Habs do have the cap space to get it done, but they may want to leave their blue line up to the names on the books already.
Odds are Markov signs with another team despite the emotional attachment. A team in need of veteran defensive help such as the Edmonton Oilers or perhaps the Colorado Avalanche. Another team that could make sense is the New Jersey Devils which would see a reunion with P.K. Subban.
The Habs aren’t the only team who need help with their power play as it fired at 17.1%. Having Taylor Hall back works wonders, but Markov could be another factor in that regard.
It’ll be an interesting development this upcoming September. Many are floating the idea of Markov getting a PTO, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get a legitimate deal now that Walsh is in the fold.
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