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Montreal Canadiens: Andrei Markov Signs In KHL, Ends Any Possible Reunion

By Ken MacMillan

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - APRIL 18, 2018: Ak Bars Kazan's Andrei Markov seen ahead of Leg 3 of the 2017/2018 Kontinental Hockey League Gagarin Cup final against CSKA Moscow at CSKA Ice Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav KrasilnikovTASS via Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - APRIL 18, 2018: Ak Bars Kazan's Andrei Markov seen ahead of Leg 3 of the 2017/2018 Kontinental Hockey League Gagarin Cup final against CSKA Moscow at CSKA Ice Palace. Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS (Photo by Stanislav KrasilnikovTASS via Getty Images) /
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The Montreal Canadiens allowed Andrei Markov to walk away to the KHL in 2017. Reunion talks continued to run rampant, but were quashed this morning.

The Montreal Canadiens completely revamped their defence in the summer of 2017. Basically anyone who shot left and played defence was sent packing. One of those casualties was long-time Canadiens blue liner Andrei Markov.

Also moving on from the organization at that time were Alexei Emelin, Nathan Beaulieu and top prospect Mikhail Sergachev. Newcomers Karl Alzner, Jordie Benn and David Schlemko were supposed to fill that gap.

They had big shoes to fill as Markov was one of the best defenders the Canadiens have ever had. He began his NHL career in 2000 with the Habs and played all of his 990 career NHL games in Montreal.

His 572 points in that time were tied for the second most all time among Habs defencemen. He is still a long way from Larry Robinson who scored 883 points in his illustrious career with the Habs. However, Markov was tied with Guy Lapointe for second most. That means he was ahead of players like Serge Savard and Doug Harvey.

There is no question Markov had a fantastic career with the Canadiens. Since he left in 2017, there always seemed to be murmurs that he could be back one day.

It would be a nice story if he returned. His next point would officially put him ahead of Lapointe and second among Canadiens defencemen of all time. Had he played ten more games he would have reached 1000 for his career, all with the Montreal Canadiens.

Markov fulfilled his two year deal with the AK Bars Kazan of the KHL and was an NHL free agent this past summer. There were some rumours he could be back with the Habs, but nothing materialized.

Habs general manager Marc Bergevin pretty much put an end to those rumours after he signed Ben Chiarot to a three year deal. He also publicly stated the team was looking to build around its youth and speed, and a 40 year old Markov doesn’t fit that description.

Still, there were fans that would have liked to see Markov come back for ten games and get to 1000. With news that he signed back in the KHL this morning, we can put that possibility to rest.

Markov signed a tryout contract with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl a few days ago. It was announced this morning that he officially signed a one year deal with them for the remainder of this season.

It would have been great publicity for the team if Markov played his 1000th game with the Canadiens this season. However, the team is playing out this season trying to win games and qualify for the postseason. The NHL isn’t really the place to sacrifice wins for feel-good stories.

Markov struggled with the speed and grind of the KHL schedule last season. He is 40 years old and just wouldn’t be able to improve the fortunes of the Canadiens this season. He was a great Canadiens player, one of their best defenders ever, but he wouldn’t be one of their top six today.

Hopefully Markov has success with Lokomotiv this season, but the Canadiens were right to pass on signing him.

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