The Montreal Canadiens celebrated the remarkable career of former defenseman Andrei Markov with a special ceremony at the Bell Centre on Wednesday, just before their game against the Winnipeg Jets. Fans filled the arena to honor Markov, who is one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Markov Receives Tribute at the Bell Centre
During the ceremony, a tribute video featured messages from former teammates and NHL stars, including Alex Ovechkin, reflecting on Markov’s impact in the league. A visibly emotional Markov addressed the crowd, expressing his gratitude, “It’s a great honor to be here tonight. Thank you to Geoff Molson and the entire Canadiens family for bringing my family and me home.”
Reflecting on His Career
Markov shared memories from his 25 years in Montreal. “I found a city and a team that became my family, with fans who supported us every night,” he stated. He also acknowledged the camaraderie he shared with players like Saku Koivu, Alexei Kovalev, and P.K. Subban. He ended his speech with a heartfelt message to the fans, “Montreal, I love you.”
Before the event, Markov spoke with reporters about leaving Montreal under complicated circumstances. After a contract dispute with former General Manager Marc Bergevin, Markov opted for a move to the KHL instead of staying for another season. This decision left him just ten games shy of the prestigious 1,000-match milestone in the NHL.
His Legacy with the Canadiens
Markov’s career statistics with the Canadiens are notable: 990 games played, 119 goals, and 453 assists. In playoffs, he scored five goals and had 27 assists in 89 appearances. He expressed his pride in having spent his entire career with one team, stating, “It’s special for me, and I consider myself lucky to have played my whole career with Montreal.”
- Total Matches Played: 990
- Goals: 119
- Assists: 453
- Playoff Goals: 5
- Playoff Assists: 27
Markov ranks 18th in the franchise’s scoring history, tied for second among defensemen, equal with Guy Lapointe. Only Larry Robinson surpasses him in defensive points with 883.
A Special Moment
Tuesday marked a poignant return for Markov, who had last visited the Bell Centre on December 7, 2024, as a spectator. Despite not having his jersey number 79 retired, the ceremony was a fitting tribute to his contributions to the team and his lasting legacy among Canadiens fans.
His story is one of dedication and respect for the game, proving that, even years after his retirement, Andrei Markov remains an integral figure in Montreal hockey history.
