Should Montreal sign Andrei Markov to a one day contract to retire a Montreal Canadien
The General, No. 79 should be considered as an option to sign a one-day contract to retire as a Canadien. The veteran of nearly 1,000 games was unable to win a Stanley Cup with the Habs or officially retire from the club.
The Montreal Canadiens have shown to be one of the most exciting teams when it comes to retirement ceremonies for former players.
One player in particular, Andrei Markov played 990 games with the Habs, and rather than signing him to an extension, they let him walk. Markov did everything in his power to help the Canadiens, and while they were never able to; he should go down as one of the most solid defenders in Habs' history. I can't think of a better option to be officially retired by the Canadiens.
As far as things look now, I think it is a bit of a sore spot for the Canadiens, with the way that former Habs general manager Marc Bergevin handled Markov. If Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton can rectify the situation, I think it would be a good relationship to rekindle. Markov played with his heart on his sleeve, and for a rebuilding club with a young blueline, he could be a great mentor.
Which player should the Canadiens sign to a one-day contract to have them retire as a Hab?
— Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) November 22, 2024
Markov has never been the outspoken type, much like Carey Price and even Max Pacioretty, but I would have to think that he isn't exactly pleased with the organization's handling of his contract. Should they have a chat with him, and have him officially retire as a Canadien; it would go a long way in sending him off the way he deserves. Markov won't be remembered as a flashy defender, but I think that a guy like PK Subban wouldn't have been as good as he was with No. 79 beside him.
The general wanted to win
Markov demanded the best out of Subban while he was with the Habs, calling him out when he didn't agree with his play. And while that might have been tough on Subban, looking back on it now, Subban benefitted from Markov's tutelage. Markov wasn't a loud guy, which obviously balanced things out with Subban, who was flamboyant and certainly larger than life.
Andrei Markov était le général même dans le vestiaire 😤
— La Poche Bleue (@lapochebleue) October 4, 2024
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The quiet personality was total opposite of his game on the ice; as he was as fierce a competitor as the league had ever seen. Taking a rookie Subban under his wing and teaching him the ropes in the league, is proof that he wanted the best for the team. Markov led by example and played a consistent game throughout his entire career on both sides of the puck.
A consumnate professional, Markov deserves nothing less than to be honoured by the Bell Centre faithful.
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