[News] Habs announce Markov will not play for the team for the 2017/18 season

[Commandant]

Originally Posted by Pointman

FWIW Galchenyuk's first language is Russian. He considers USA to be his homeland though.

Considering he spent age 3-15 in Russia while his dad was playing in the RSL (precursor to KHL), it doesn't surprise that his first language is Russian.

He was born in the US, and plays for the US in international tournaments. He also spends his off-season mainly in Miami, and as you said, considers himself American.

As for his heritage, his family is Belarussian, not Russian.

[Huntingwhale]

Markov was always one of my favourite D in the league, especially during his prime. I would have loved to have had him play for the Flames during the Iggy years.

One of few players on the Habs I genuinely liked. Best of luck to him in the KHL.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by habernac

I wish I knew what they're saving all that cap room for ($8.5 million)

it's about 2 million off from an Oilers-crippling Draisaitl offersheet...

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Pointman

With 8 seconds to go in the euroleagu final, Andrei Markov scores from his own goal line to force the overtime (which they lost anyway). He will be forever remembered for this goal at 1999.

Can't embedd so here is the link

https://youtu.be/UAWX5qfhClk

Wow....its amazing how bad hockey used to be. I'm glad its made it this far.

[killer_carlson]

I remember the way he handled the subban holdout. There was drama and he walked out and said they weren't going to be talking about a guy who wasn't currently on their team. Then he basically dared any media to challenge him.

It was a big alpha male move and spoke volumes about who the real leader was in the dressing room.

I respected that

[jlh2640]

So they picked Streit over him !!!??!!

[1991 Canadian]

I can’t think of a GM under more pressure than Bergevin. The Habs GM will always be under the spotlight, but this offseason was not great for them.

I actually like the Alzner and Schlemko signings, but Markov is a tough guy to replace.

I don’t blame Markov for moving on. I’m guessing Bergevin likely went with the “we’ll underpay you so we can build a better team” approach. This might work for a consistent cup contender, but the Habs aren’t Pittsburgh or Chicago. I’m with Markov, I’d rather take my shot with the Russian Olympic team.

It’s odd though, the Habs are going into the year with over 8 million in cap space. Not an ideal situation for a team with roster holes and the mandate to win now.

[transplant99]

Strangest thing about all this (beyond losing a pretty good player from an area of the team already deemed weak overall) is that I haven't heard a peep from Bergevin. No explanation of any kind, no reassurance to the fans about what he will do moving forward, no "thanks for your service" to Markov of any sort.

He really is a lone wolf GM....i thought he would be great in the position, but it's clear he has not handled the fish bowl that is being Canadiens head honcho in terms of on ice product.

[StrykerSteve]

Markov has signed a 2-year deal in the KHL.