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#5: Andrei Markov, by Andrew Saadalla |
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Andrei Markov is my number 5 choice for the top-10 greatest defensemen of the Montreal Canadiens. Currently active on the roster with a year remaining on his contract, Markov has continuously silenced his biggest critics over the last few years. Many were under the impression that his numerous knee injuries and surgeries would take their toll on his ability to play the game at a superior level, and they couldn’t have been more mistaken. While he certainly lost a step or two in terms of speed and overall skating mobility, #79 continues to impress with his exemplary performances in his own end as much as his offensive output.
In 765 career games, the lifelong Hab has excelled with 442 points, 108 consisting of goals. He strikes the perfect balance between a power play quarterback capable of smoothly starting the transition while notching assists and aptly stripping opponents of the puck with his nifty poke-checking ability. He’s known for his superb vision, crisp passing, and overall effectiveness at both ends of the ice with the occasional goal.
Between 2009 and 2012, Markov suffered multiple injuries to his lower body. He’d play in only 7 games in 2010-2011 and was limited to 13 appearances in the 2011-2012 season. He’d bounce back the following season during the lockout-shortened calendar year, and in 48 games put up stellar numbers with 20 assists and 10 goals, 8 of the latter coming with the man advantage.
He’s always been a highly-disciplined player not particularly recognized for his ability to deliver momentum-changing hits. He plays the game with a certain level of finesse, yet it’s his hockey sense that allows him to shine year in and year out. He’ll customarily fly under the radar, both on and off the ice, as journalists and members of the media will tell you that he is certainly one of the least outspoken players they’ve ever interviewed. He’s very well-appreciated by his teammates and exercises his leadership through leading by example. He’s the go-to veteran when it comes to taking younger and emerging blue-liners under his wing.
While it’s hard to say just where he’ll end up once his contract expires, Markov is definitely one of the most important pieces of the Habs. At 37 years of age, there may be signs of his skating slowing down but his intelligence and complete understanding of the game of hockey seem to only improve with time.
He’s never won a Norris Trophy or a Stanley Cup, but it’s clear that he’s left his mark on this organization and could potentially finish his career with the Bleu Blanc et Rouge.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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