There’s nothing quite like spending a Saturday night in Montreal at the Bell Centre. But, for the first time since leaving the Montreal Canadiens in the summer of 2017, former Habs defenseman Andrei Markov got to take in the spectacle as a fan.
Originally drafted by the Canadiens in the 6th round of the 1998 NHL Draft, Markov played 990 games with Montreal, totalling 119 goals and 572 points; tied for 2nd all-time in Canadiens scoring for a defenseman with Hall of Famer Guy Lapointe, behind HOFer Larry Robinson (883)
Having spent nearly 17 years as a member of the Canadiens, Markov has never truly been shown the respect he deserves for the exceptional player he was for so long.
That is until he made an unexpected visit to the Bell Centre on Saturday night against the Washington Capitals; appearing on the jumbotron to the surprise of the 21,105 fans in attendance.
Markov, who made a rare return to Montreal, knew that if he attended the game, the spotlight would be on him.
“I was ready for this,” he said to RG on Sunday.
And what an ovation it was.
For the former General of the Canadiens’ blue line, it was a long time coming and something he won’t soon forget.
“I came to Montreal before, but this was my first hockey game here in seven years. I won't lie that I Ioved the fans' reaction [to being on the jumbotron],” he said.
And all of this happened by chance. Markov wasn’t invited by the Canadiens organization, but through a friend, who suggested he and his family attend the game while he was in town.
“The club didn't know I was coming; a friend invited me. The last time I came to the city was about two years ago. People still recognize me on the street sometimes. It's nice.”
Markov was, in fact, hoping to kill two birds with one stone and catch up with his old friend, Alexander Ovechkin, but the Capitals captain unfortunately sustained a leg injury last month.
“I had hoped that he would come. But due to an injury, he stayed in Washington and is now training and preparing for his return,” said Markov of Ovechkin.
Nostalgia and Friendships
Being back in Montreal brought back memories for No. 79, just getting that injection of passion for hockey the moment he touched down again.
But, despite that, he maintains a safe distance from the ice he used to call home for so long.
“I feel a little nostalgic [being back here],” he said regarding his return to Montreal. “But I didn't want to go out on the ice. I don't know why, it's hard to explain. Much time has passed.”
The moment he walked into the building, felt the energy in the air, it was like no time had passed and he was just a fan witnessing the best show in town.
Despite the Canadiens blowing a 2-0 lead en route to a 4-2 loss, Markov couldn’t help but give a huge shoutout to the fans, who he believes make playing in Montreal so special.
“The atmosphere, as always, was top-notch. Montreal has always been a hockey city, and it remains one and will always be one.”
The Canadiens faithful have seen some fair share of nostalgia late, with Shea Weber coming back for his Ring of Honour ceremony this season, while also celebrating P.K. Subban’s retirement the season prior.
And you can’t be more nostalgic about much more in recent years, than the bromance between Subban and Markov. On top of running some of the most dangerous power plays in recent memory for the Canadiens (albeit not a hard feat these days), their chemistry, despite their contrasting personalities, always made for good laughs.
Much like the fans, Markov had a special relationship with Subban, as the two patrolled the Canadiens blueline together for half a decade.
“We sometimes text each other and keep in touch. He doesn't invite me to his TV studio (laugh), but when I fly to America, I ask where he is,” said Markov of his former teammate.
Jokes aside, Markov has watched his former teammate’s rise within the national hockey media and couldn’t be happier for him to have found a great outlet for his booming personality.
“I like him very much as a TV analyst. He’s found a perfect role for himself and is doing quite well,” added Markov.
The Canadiens’ Rebuild
Since the end of the 2021-22 season, the Canadiens have undergone the first true rebuild of their 115-year history.
Over the last three seasons, the club has been able to add some talented youngsters to their organization, but, like most, Markov believes the club is capable of better than what they’ve shown so far this season.
Part of that will come from Canadiens management, as GM Kent Hughes continues to look for new ways to improve his team in the short and long term.
But, the crux of it will come from the development of their top draft picks, most notably Ivan Demidov. The 19-year-old has been impressive, when given respectable playing time, in the KHL; but Markov believes the true test will be when Demidov eventually makes his way across the Atlantic.
“I hope he can prove himself. Hockey in Russia and North America is very different. It will depend on him how successfully he can adapt to another league. But, I think he will like it here,” said Markov.
Considering how adored and celebrated Demidov already is by Habs fans, despite having never played a game for them yet, Markov may be on to something.
But, above all, Markov shares his unwavering support for the franchise with fans and media members alike; sending them positive vibes and a few chirps along the way.
“I wish you all patience,” Markov joked. “Believe in the best!
A Future With The Canadiens?
One of the benefits the Canadiens have with their rich history is being able to pull on former players to help them build the future of the organization.
Former teammates Paul Byron and Francis Bouillon have taken on roles in the Canadiens’ developmental department, while Donald Audette is an amateur scout for the club.
So, could Markov one day be open to an opportunity with the Canadiens down the line? You wouldn’t have a hard time convincing him.
But, until then, Markov is perfectly content in retirement and watching his young sons grow up and embark on their own hockey journey.
“My son also plays hockey. Who knows, maybe Montreal will select him in the draft someday. Time will tell,” joked Markov.
If Aatos Koivu, the son of Canadiens great, Saku Koivu, can be selected by the club in the 2024 NHL Draft, then Markov may be on to something!
But, in all seriousness, Markov’s latest Montreal visit perhaps brought some closure to what was a very abrupt and controversial exit in the summer of 2017.
Without rehashing all the details, not allowing him to reach 1000 games played in the NHL, all of which would have been with the Canadiens, continues to stand as one of the biggest blunders by former GM Marc Bergevin during his tenure.
Thankfully, Markov has moved on and keeps Montreal fondly in his memories; and should an opportunity open up he wouldn’t say no.
Sergey Demidov
