Montreal Canadiens: Andrei Markov To Play In KHL Next Season

Montreal Canadiens fans have been awaiting the re-signing of defenseman Andrei Markov. Instead, Markov will part ways with the Canadiens and will head to the KHL.

Defensemen Andrei Markov became a free agent this season. Montreal Canadiens fans were hoping that he would remain in Montreal for at least another season. Plans changed, however, and Markov announced that he has, for the time being, said goodbye to the only NHL franchise he has played for. The 38-year-old defenseman, instead, will head to the KHL, possibly to attend the Olympics. While it isn’t known which KHL team Markov will play for, he will continue playing professionally.

As the offseason continued it became pretty apparent that the Canadiens didn’t see Markov in the team’s future as they looked to get set for another playoff run. Though it was a hard decision, Markov didn’t let the Habs’ lack of use for him keep him from playing.

He told the media that he would have stayed in Montreal for forever if he could, but now it is time to move on. Markov will sign in the KHL, and will even have a crack at the Olympics, as next season rolls around.

Fans weren’t thrilled to see the Markov leave. Markov was drafted 162nd overall in the sixth round in 1998  and has been a Hab ever since. Habs fans happily welcomed Markov in and made him a staple in the team since he put on the jersey for the first time.

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Markov became so at home with his team that he formally became a Canadian citizen in 2010 to further identify with his fans. Canadiens fans loved the blue liner and aren’t happy to see him part ways with the team.

In his career, Markov played 990 games and posted 119 goals and 453 assists in his career with Montreal. Markov was dedicated, tough and always gave his all for his team.

Markov made his decision to pursue the KHL in an effort to remain loyal to the team that drafted him. Despite not having a place in the team moving forward, Markov will always remain true to Montreal.

The Canadiens are making efforts to improve their team as they continue to chase the Stanley Cup. They want to do everything they can to become an even bigger threat by the time the playoffs roll around.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have repeated as Stanley Cup champs therefore the rest of the NHL is working to steal the Cup. The Canadiens are hoping they’ll be the ones to do it.