Andrei Markov News

Andrei Markov announced his retirement from professional hockey on Thursday.

Markov hangs up his skates after an illustrious career in Montreal and Russia. Markov had 572 points (119G / 453A) in 990 career regular-season games with the Canadiens and played three more years in the KHL after finishing his NHL career. He had eight goals and 46 assists (54 points) in his final 127 KHL games. He retires with a World Championships gold and bronze medals, World Juniors silver and bronze medals and a KHL Gagarin Cup Championship.

Andrei Markov
Markov (lower-body) was on the ice for practice on Monday; expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday.

Markov has been sidelined by a lower-body injury since December 17th, but appears ready-to-go on Tuesday. Markov had a really nice two and a half months to open the season, collecting two goals and 19 assists (21 points) across 31 games. Look for the veteran to skate with Nikita Nesterov, who was acquired from Tampa Bay last week.

Andrei Markov
Markov (lower-body) will not play on Thursday.

Markov missed Tuesday’s game vs. the Ducks and will not play Thursday vs. the Wild, but head coach Michel Therrien said he wouldn't be surprised if Markov was available for Friday’s game in Columbus. With Markov out, Zach Redmond will remain in the lineup.

Andrei Markov
The Canadiens have signed Andrei Markov to a three-year contract extension with an annual cap-hit of $5.75 million.

Markov, 35, had seven goals and 36 assists (43 points) in 81 games. After a couple of tough years battling injury, Markov has only missed one game over the last two seasons. He is getting up there in age, but 2013-14 was one of the best offensive years of his career. He heads into 2014-15 as a top-20 fantasy blueliner.

Andrei Markov