Habs Sign Markov to Three-Year Deal

[Thrillhouse]

MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of defenseman Andrei Markov to a three-year contract (2011-12 to 2013-14).

“We are very pleased that Andrei has made the decision to pursue his career with the Montreal Canadiens. A player drafted and developed by our organization, Andrei brings a high level of talent and leadership to our team. We look forward to having him back in our lineup for the start of the upcoming season,” said Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier.

Markov, 32, completed in 2010-11 his 10th season with the Canadiens in the NHL. The defenseman registered three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in seven games. He served four penalty minutes and maintained a +2 plus/minus differential, while averaging 22:54 seconds of ice time per game. Markov suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee on November 13 against Carolina.

Since 2000-01, Markov has registered 366 points (81 goals, 285 assists) in 623 NHL regular-season games. The 6’0’’, 209 lbs defenseman has recorded 361 penalty minutes and maintained a +31 plus/minus differential. Markov has scored 41 of his goals on the powerplay and two on the penalty kill. He has accumulated 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists) in 49 career NHL playoff contests.

A native of Voskresensk, Russia, Markov was the Canadiens’ sixth pick (third round, 162nd overall) at the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He was part of the Russian team at the 2006 Torino and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

[thepolishkid88]

Am told Markov contract is worth $5.75 million per season with Habs

http://twitter.com/#!/Real_ESPNLeBrun

[ChiefJunior]

$5.75 million? Wow. For a guy coming off of back to back injuries, he sure got paid well by these numbnuts that run this organization.

I hope he's worth it, at this time.

[JKidd]

Well... better hope those surgeries heal up nicely and you get a return on your $5.75.

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by ChiefJunior

$5.75 million? Wow. For a guy coming off of back to back injuries, he sure got paid well by these numbnuts that run this organization.

I hope he's worth it, at this time.

If what LeBrun is reporting is correct then that is BY FAR the shocker of the day.

[FightingIsGood]

$5.75 million a year for a guy with two bad knees. Good job, Montreal.

[grits207]

Markov's agent deserves a raise.

[Chiefs for Life]

This is sort of a catch 22 for the Canadiens, If they don't sign him he will end up in Toronto, Boston or another eastern team, an that teams is going to be willing to spend the money, an give Markov what he wants, an Markov is going to ram it up Montreal's azz every time he gets a chance... If Montreal signs him an he gets injured again, Montreal has the financial flexibilty to absorb his salary an put him on LTIR..... If it was Pheonix an they were strapped for cash I would think it is a bad deal, but Montreal can afford to take the risk on a proven player....

[Fatt Patt]

So if they plan on signing Hamrlik I guess there is no room for Wiz?

[The Woodsman]

Not a great contract, but still better than Gonchar and Kuba! At least he can contribute when healthy.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

So much for the home team discount...

[nilan30]

Originally Posted by Fatt Patt

So if they plan on signing Hamrlik I guess there is no room for Wiz?

No it seems like he is not in the Habs plans for some reason. They could've afforded with Hamrlik's 5.5 coming off the books. I guess he sealed his fate when he dropped the mitts in the playoffs.

[Ciccarelli]

Originally Posted by Chiefs for Life

This is sort of a catch 22 for the Canadiens, If they don't sign him he will end up in Toronto, Boston or another eastern team, an that teams is going to be willing to spend the money, an give Markov what he wants, an Markov is going to ram it up Montreal's azz every time he gets a chance... If Montreal signs him an he gets injured again, Montreal has the financial flexibilty to absorb his salary an put him on LTIR..... If it was Pheonix an they were strapped for cash I would think it is a bad deal, but Montreal can afford to take the risk on a proven player....

That's a good but lame Habs excuse to defend this deal. I'm pretty sure the Detroit Red Wings would have signed Markov and not an eastern team, for sure not the Bruins, they are not as stupid and I also doubt Burke, Burke prefers other types of d-man then Markov.

If Markov is healthy again this deal is ok, but it's a bit of a risk for the Habs.

[MattBurger]

Who's negotiating these contracts for Russian players? The KGB?

"Give Markov $2.5 million more than he's worth, or we'll break your effing legs."

[Habs # 1]

Originally Posted by MattBurger

Who's negotiating these contracts for Russian players? The KGB?

"Give Markov $2.5 million more than he's worth, or we'll break your effing legs."

It's rediculous...