The Red Effect
While many are perhaps too shy to project what type of impact the return of Andrei Markov will have on the Montreal Canadiens this season, it's really quite simple:
If healthy, the Habs are in a far greater position than any pre-season ranking they will earn from the media.
Andrei Markov, he of the 52 games played over the last two complete regular seasons, is the Canadiens ultimate wildcard.
Or is he?
Clearly there is a mystery in which is the greater wildcard here...is it Markov, or his health?
Logically speaking, not a single Habs fan or critic can truly argue against his value when on the ice.
It is only when he is absent from action that we truly acknowledge his actual value.
And so, while Markov has been riddled with frightening knee injuries and will remain a question mark to just about everyone concerned with the Canadiens, I am hesitant to be as worried.
Not only has he taken the proper amount of time to heal, but he is apparently very focused on attaining new levels of strength and conditioning, something that will hopefully only bode well over the course of the upcoming season.
To put the concerns to a point, though Markov may have only played 52 games in the past two seasons, he still managed to score 7 goals and 30 assists in those contests, while posting a +13 and an average of 2 shots a game(not to mention that 2 of his 7 goals were game winners and 4 came on the power play).
He is dynamic.
An enigma to the opposition.
With this stud heading up the Canadiens defense corps, there is no argument that this will be a much better edition of the Habs.
But then there's the health concerns...
Though they won't fade away overnight, the truth is that the only way Markov will overcome those demons is by stacking one solid game of action on top of the other.
His only way out of the "questions about his knee" will be in demonstrating what he can still do.
And that, of all things, may be the most heavily anticipated event of training camp.
Will Markov be the same Markov?
Will his reconstructed knee react the same?
It's hard to argue that his speed won't be slightly affected, but then again...maybe it won't?
Truthfully, though a slow start will be expected and bumps in the road will occur, his mere presence in the locker room and on the bench will bolster the team in ways it simply could not achieve without him last year.
The power play, the penalty kill and five on five play will all improve with #79 in the lineup.
It will no doubt send shivers down the spines of everyone who has watched Markov diligently try to reassemble what was a quiet but spectacular rise to All Star status.
But will it last?
Truly, Andrei Markov is the Montreal Canadiens best player.
You can argue PK. You can argue Carey.
But with the talent and experience that Markov brings to the table, his impact may be greater than both of the franchise's future stars.
And the Habs will need that this year.
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