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

[habernac]

"It's sad for me to leave. They say when one door closes, another one opens." - Andrei Markov

"You guys made me uncomfortable for so many years. I will miss you so much." - Andrei Markov to the media.

"I'd like to thank Geoff Molson for giving me the opportunity to play for the greatest team there is."

"I'd like to thank the fans for supporting me for over the last 16 years. I will never forget you."

"It's a business, I won't blame anyone," Markov says of leaving #Habs

"To make a deal it always takes two people"

"I was ready to stay in Montreal, I was ready and willing to sign a one-year deal. It didn't work"

"I'm not planning to retire anytime soon"

"I've made my decision to move back to Russia and play in the KHL." - Andrei Markov

[habernac]

"I didn't see myself with any other NHL team. I didn't see myself wearing another jersey." - Andrei Markov

"I know what team it's going to be but I can't tell you right now because I haven't signed yet" - Markov on KHL destination

[habernac]

"I will never forget Saku's return and the All-Star Game in Montreal." - Andrei Markov

"I'm not closing the door on especially Montreal and I'm not closing the door on the NHL" - Markov on whether he may return next year.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

He was willing to sign a 1 year deal? Interesting.

[habernac]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

He was willing to sign a 1 year deal? Interesting.

I would have done that. Their D is a train wreck right now.

[habernac]

"Those 16 years were a big part of my life. I will never forget my time here." - Andrei Markov

"What will I miss the most? I think the gym will be empty without me in Montreal." - Andrei Markov

Sergey Demidov‏ @smdemidov 6m6 minutes ago

Markov goes to the Ak Bars per Russian source http://Championat.com

[Locke]

Originally Posted by habernac

I would have done that. Their D is a train wreck right now.

Which begs the question: What exactly was the problem?

If Markov was willing to sign a 1-year deal, and assuming his wage demands werent completely insane, why not?

I understand they have to move forward and develop but that Alzner contract stinks already and he hasnt even hit the ice yet, and by all accounts they could have used him.

So if he wasnt married to a multi-year deal, and again, assuming his salary demands werent ludicrous, and he and the organization have been loyal to one another, what was the breaking point?

The only think I can thing of is that he was willing to take a 1-year deal but his price was way too high.

[habernac]

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

[Commandant]

Originally Posted by habernac

"I was ready to stay in Montreal, I was ready and willing to sign a one-year deal. It didn't work"

Bergevin is dumb

[Machiavelli]

Are they trying to lose fans?

[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

[sureLoss]

Maybe Bergevin is now anti-Russian.

Radulov, Markov, Emelin, and Sergachev are gone. Galchenyuk rumored to be shopped.

[neo45]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Maybe Bergevin is now anti-Russian.

Radulov, Markov, Emelin, and Sergachev are gone. Galchenyuk rumored to be shopped.

Nesterov as well

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Maybe Bergevin is now anti-Russian.

Radulov, Markov, Emelin, and Sergachev are gone. Galchenyuk rumored to be shopped.

Isn't Galchenyuk American? Russian heritage, sure, but he's born in the United States, no? Spent time in several European stops in his youth, including Russia, but then came back to North America at 15 years old. I wouldn't really lump him in with the other Russians you mentioned.

[Commandant]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Maybe Bergevin is now anti-Russian.

Radulov, Markov, Emelin, and Sergachev are gone. Galchenyuk rumored to be shopped.

Galchenyuk is American.

But yes....the purge of Russians (add Nesterov) is very clear this off-season.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Nikita Scherbak traded as part of whatever move Bergevin has planned with his remaining cap space.

[Commandant]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Isn't Galchenyuk American? Russian heritage, sure, but he's born in the United States, no? Spent time in several European stops in his youth, including Russia, but then came back to North America at 15 years old. I wouldn't really lump him in with the other Russians you mentioned.

Also spends his off-seasons in Miami.

His heritage is also Belarus, not Russia. (yes his father played for the Soviet National Junior team before the breakup, but the family is from Minsk).

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Isn't Galchenyuk American? Russian heritage, sure, but he's born in the United States, no? Spent time in several European stops in his youth, including Russia, but then came back to North America at 15 years old. I wouldn't really lump him in with the other Russians you mentioned.

That's why Bergevin ended up re-signing him...

You took my post way too seriously.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

That's why Bergevin ended up re-signing him...

You took my post way too seriously.

Sorry, but robot humor doesn't translate well to humans.

[FBI]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Sorry, but robot humor doesn't translate well to humans.

https://youtu.be/0BcFHvEpP7A

[Pointman]

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