Andrei Markov won’t get the chance to reach 1,000 career games played in the NHL.
The 41-year old defenseman announced his retirement Thursday, his agent told reporters, including Richard Labbe of La Presse.
Markov hasn’t played in the NHL since 2017, when he left for the KHL, but had been reportedly interested in a return to North America and the Montreal Canadiens as recently as last summer.
It’s hard to climb up the mountain of elite NHL players who have come through Montreal in its history, but Markov certainly tried. The sixth-round pick from 1998 played his entire career with the organization, racking up 990 games played — second to only Hall Of Famer Larry Robinson among Montreal defensemen.
Markov’s 572 career points for Montreal ties him with the legendary Guy Lapointe for second (also behind Robinson) among defenseman and Markov’s 119 goals are third.
Markov didn’t have anywhere near the postseason success of those two — Lapointe and Robinson each raised the Stanley Cup six times as Canadiens — but he’ll still be remembered as one of the most impactful blueliners in franchise history.
To continue reading the full article, click HERE.
Originally posted on Pro Hockey Rumors | By Gavin Lee | Last updated 4/16/20
