The rumors surrounding Andrei Markov’s return to the NHL have never really gone away since he left North America for the KHL in 2017. Now it’s much more than just a rumor, as Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette got the 40-year old on the record talking about his plans for this season. Markov would love a chance to return to the Montreal Canadiens and reach the 1,000-game mark (he’s currently sitting at 990) but would also welcome other opportunities. Back in May it was reported that the veteran defenseman had already received interest from three teams in the NHL, though it wasn’t clear who those were.
Markov was once one of the premiere two-way defensemen in the NHL, recording a career-high 64 points in 2008-09 with the Canadiens. Even in the KHL he has continued to produce, recording 47 points in 104 regular season games and helping his club win a Gagarin Cup in 2018. He does admit that 2019-20 will probably be his final year as a player, meaning he’ll take advantage of every moment.
Obviously signing a 40-year old who is two years removed from NHL action is uncommon, but Markov showed an ability to stay relevant even into the late part of his career with Montreal. He recorded 36 points in just 62 games in 2016-17 and has always had good underlying possession numbers. If the Canadiens believe he can outplay one of their relatively unproven options on the blue line and help them get back to the playoffs, there’s not a ton of risk in a one-year deal. Still, with the offseason half over and rosters already relatively set it might be hard to find a fit.
One good thing is that Markov would be eligible for a performance bonus-laden contract, meaning his base salary could be extremely low. That would give a team some freedom in evaluating his play without committing a good chunk of their cap. If he’s still capable and productive any included bonuses will be worth it.
too many proven players that are younger that arent signing due to cap issues. doubtful he gets an offer
That may benefit Markov, as he would get minimum salary , possibly incentive laden contract per games, and Montreal is his destination , so he could finish his career, I hope Montreal signs him he’s only been with one organization in good career numbers even in KHL at 40 still producing, even in bottom pairing on Defense, I don’t see a lot of quality prospects where he would be in competition with Reilly, Folin, Kulak for 5th and 6th defenseman. Put the pen to paper Bergevin.
I feel like it would be very hard to offer a guaranteed contract to a 40 old player who has a history of knee/leg injuries and only managed to put up 14 points in the KHL last year -a nearly 60% drop in production.
Who does Markov supplant on the left side? He’s not going to be able to play top pairing minutes so I would assume Mete and Kulak are safe. They just committed to Ben Chiarot. Do they risk losing Mike Reilly? He’s not waivers exempt. Is Markov at this age, a more reliable option going forward than Reilly?
Do they play Markov on his off-side on the right side of the third pairing?
Markov is a PTO at best. He still has upside, but it’s not as a top four D.
1) Mete Weber
2)Chiarot Petry
3)Kulak Folin
Yes, PTO would be what I meant to say, maybe less than $1 mill. if he makes the club, yeah they still have Rielly , Markov if given PTO would be a long shot , but by looking at others in system , would like to see him get sometime somewhere in lineup , Mete doesn’t score ,yes they are a lot of left side options on team , so your right Mark it may not work , was just hoping , as even thou at 40 , can get a chance somewhere even if it isn’t with Montreal ,as have always liked Markov. some team could hopefully benefit with his experience. Thanks Mark.
Habs should offer no more than PTO contract.