Andrei Viktorovich Markov, a Russian-Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman, was born on December 20, 1978. Fondly nicknamed "the General," Markov had a remarkable career spanning from 2000 to 2017 with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He also played in the KHL for Ak Bars Kazan and Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
Early Career and NHL Draft
Markov was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the sixth round, 162nd overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. After being considered one of the best defencemen in Russia in 2000, he came over to North America and split time with the Canadiens and their then-minor league affiliate, the Quebec Citadelles of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Key Moments and Accomplishments with the Canadiens
Markov played his first of 990 games in a Habs uniform in 2000. He scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 19, 2000, against the Philadelphia Flyers. In 16 years with the club, he recorded 119 goals and 572 points. His 990 games and 453 career assists put him sixth in Canadiens franchise history. Among Montreal defensemen, Markov sits tied for second in points with Hall of Famer Guy Lapointe and ranks third in goals behind Lapointe and fellow Hall of Famer Larry Robinson.
On October 1, 2009, Markov suffered a lacerated ankle injury after colliding with teammate Carey Price's skate and was initially expected to be out of the Canadiens' lineup until February 2010. Markov made a full recovery almost two months ahead of schedule and returned to action on December 19, 2009, when the Canadiens faced the New York Islanders. Markov ended up jump-starting the Habs' offence with two goals in his return en route to a 3-0 victory.
During his injury layoff, Markov further strengthened his ties to Montreal and Canada by becoming a Canadian citizen in July 2010.
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During the 2010-11 season, he played only seven games, earning three points (one goal and two assists). On March 10, 2012, he played in his first game in over a year, tallying an assist in a 4-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
On June 23, 2014, Markov re-signed with the Canadiens to a three-year contract worth an annual average value of $5.75 million. On September 15, 2014, Markov was named an alternate captain for the Canadiens, along with P. K.
Andrei Markov, one of the Montreal Canadiens’ all-time great defensemen, announced his retirement from professional hockey on April 16, 2020, at the age of 41. Being one of the best at your position for a team with a plethora of legendary players like the Canadiens is no easy feat, but the man they nicknamed “The General” has earned his place on that illustrious list.
“Each and every day I realized how lucky I was to be part of such a great hockey organization. A lot of history was made here and just to be part of it was something special. I just want to say thank you to Mr. Molson and to the Montreal organization to give me the opportunity to play for the greatest hockey franchise in the history of the game. This city is special to me,” Markov said.
Markov’s statistics speak for themselves; he was a special player and a man of very few words, except for some occasional glimpses at his incredibly dry sense of humor. Instead, he let his play do the talking. Fans knew they were in for a treat each time Markov stepped foot on the ice. His vision and remarkable hockey sense made him a pleasure to watch. On the power play, he put his abundant offensive creativity on full display all while being equally sound defensively. Markov is one of those players who made his teammates better.
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Just ask his defence partners through the years like Sheldon Souray, Mike Komisarek, Marc-Andre Bergeron, Mark Streit, Alexei Emelin, and P.K. Subban who enjoyed their best, most prolific moments in the NHL playing next to Markov and who were awarded lucrative contracts thanks to the numbers they put up.
“He’s been amazing, critical, you know, to my career and the success that I’ve had so far. He’s helped me so much. The way he sees the ice, the way he plays the game. I’ve never played with anybody like that. So, I know his talent and his ability is special,” Subban said of his former teammate.
Unfortunately, Markov was unable to reach the prestigious 1,000-game plateau with the Canadiens, the same way Tomas Plekanec did a few years ago. Especially since he was just 10 games away from doing so. His impact on the franchise was significant and he has the accomplishments to back it up.
KHL Career and Gagarin Cup Victory
Markov spent three years in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan and Lokomotiv Yaroslavl from 2017 until the end of his career. In 2018, Markov's Ak Bars Kazan won the Gagarin Cup.
International Career
He also represented Russia at the Olympics, as well as both the World Junior and Senior Championships. In 2008, Markov captured gold at the World Championships in Canada (Halifax and Quebec City were the host cities).
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Here's a summary of Andrei Markov's career statistics:
#79 Andrei Markov Compilation
Awards and Recognition
Markov is one of the best Canadiens defensemen ever, but at the same time, one of the most underrated players of his generation. Case and point, he was never even nominated for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s top defenseman.
There is no doubt that Markov has earned a proper sendoff from the Canadiens. What that recognition will include remains to be seen, but team owner Geoff Molson has already promised a celebration for No. 79.
Perhaps the Habs will entertain the idea of sending Markov’s number up to the rafters of the Bell Centre. They have strict criteria when it comes to bestowing the jersey retirement honor on their players, but maybe the organization will make an exception for him considering that the Stanley Cup has eluded them since 1993.
Table: Andrei Markov Career Stats
| League | Seasons | Teams | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHL | 16 | Montreal Canadiens | 990 | 119 | 453 | 572 |
| KHL | 3 | Ak Bars Kazan, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl | 140 | 20 | 58 | 78 |