The sixth round of the 1998 NHL Draft is not known for producing franchise legends, yet the Montreal Canadiens found one in Andrei Markov at 162nd overall. He became the steady hand on Montreal’s blue line for sixteen seasons, retiring as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer among defensemen at the time of his departure. This article traces his journey from overlooked prospect to franchise legend, examines why he left the NHL, and looks at what his recent honor ceremony means for his legacy.

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NHL seasons played: 16 ·
NHL games played: 990 ·
NHL goals: 119 ·
NHL assists: 453 ·
NHL points: 572 ·
Career plus/minus: +93

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Current precise residence (Russia or Canada not publicly confirmed)
  • Religious affiliation — no public source confirms this
  • Net worth — no verified figure available
  • Exact details of contract disputes that led to his NHL departure
3Timeline signal
  • 1998: Drafted by Montreal in 6th round (162nd overall)
  • 2017: Left Canadiens, signed with KHL’s Ak Bars Kazan
  • 2020: Officially retired from professional hockey
  • 2024: Montreal Canadiens held a pre-game honor ceremony
4What’s next
  • No known coaching or front-office role as of 2025
  • Possible future involvement with Canadiens alumni events
  • Hall of Fame eligibility — not yet inducted
  • Legacy cemented as one of Montreal’s greatest defensemen

Sixteen seasons, one franchise, and a statistical profile that places Markov among the elite defensemen in Canadiens history. Here’s the breakdown.

The numbers tell a clear story of consistency and longevity.

Statistic Value
NHL seasons played 16
NHL games played 990
NHL goals 119
NHL assists 453
NHL points 572
Career plus/minus +93
Penalty minutes 505
NHL All-Star selections 1 (2009)
Draft year 1998 (6th round, 162nd overall)
Birth date 1978-12-20
Birthplace Voskresensk, Russia
Shoots Left

What happened to Andrei Markov?

Retirement from the NHL

Markov played his final NHL season in 2016-17, appearing in 62 games and recording 36 points for the Canadiens (NHL.com player profile). After 16 seasons in Montreal, he became an unrestricted free agent. Contract negotiations with the Canadiens stalled, and Markov chose not to return.

Move to the KHL

In 2017, Markov signed a two-year deal with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL (ESPN player page). He played three seasons in the KHL, earning an All-Star selection in 2018, before announcing his retirement from professional hockey in 2020 (Elite Prospects).

Montreal Canadiens honor ceremony

In 2024, the Montreal Canadiens held a pre-game ceremony to honor Markov’s career. The event brought him back to the Bell Centre, where fans gave him a standing ovation. The ceremony underscored his enduring connection to the franchise and its fanbase.

The upshot

Markov’s departure from the NHL wasn’t a decline in skill — it was a contract impasse. He went on to play three productive seasons in the KHL, proving he still had game left. For Canadiens fans, the 2024 ceremony closed a chapter that had felt unfinished since 2017.

How good was Andrei Markov?

Career statistics and ranks

Markov’s 572 points in 990 games place him among the top-scoring defensemen in Canadiens history (NHL.com player profile). At the time of his departure, he was the franchise’s all-time leader in points by a defenseman. His 453 assists rank second among Canadiens defensemen, trailing only Larry Robinson.

Defensive and offensive contributions

Markov was known for his hockey IQ, breakout passing, and ability to quarterback the power play. He averaged over 23 minutes of ice time per game during his prime and was a reliable presence in all situations. His plus-minus of +93 over 990 games reflects his two-way effectiveness (ESPN player page).

Comparisons to other Canadiens defensemen

  • Larry Robinson: 1,384 games, 883 points — the gold standard
  • Guy Lapointe: 777 games, 622 points — offensive defenseman of the 1970s
  • Chris Chelios: 519 games, 414 points with Montreal — Hall of Fame career
  • Andrei Markov: 990 games, 572 points — the modern-era leader
Why this matters

Markov’s production came in a lower-scoring era than the 1970s and 1980s. His 572 points in 990 games, adjusted for era, compare favorably to many Hall of Fame defensemen. The gap between Markov and the Hall of Fame is a matter of debate among hockey analysts.

The implication: Markov’s statistical case, while strong, lacks the Stanley Cup and individual awards that typically seal Hall of Fame induction.

Why did Andrei Markov retire?

Contract disputes with the Canadiens

After the 2016-17 season, Markov and the Canadiens could not agree on a new contract. Reports at the time indicated a gap in salary expectations and term length. The Canadiens were entering a rebuild, and Markov, then 38, wanted a multi-year deal that the team was unwilling to offer.

Decision to join the KHL

Markov signed a two-year contract with Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL in July 2017 (ESPN player page). The move allowed him to continue playing at a high level while staying closer to his native Russia. He played three seasons in the KHL, totaling 115 games and 52 points.

Official retirement announcement

Markov announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2020 (Elite Prospects). He did not hold a formal press conference; the announcement came through team and league channels. At 41, he had played 19 professional seasons across the NHL and KHL.

The trade-off

Markov chose three more seasons of playing time in the KHL over a reduced role or retirement in Montreal. For a competitor who still felt he could contribute, the KHL offered both a contract and a chance to play meaningful hockey. The Canadiens, meanwhile, moved on with younger defensemen.

The pattern: Markov prioritized playing time and competitive hockey over a diminished role, a choice that defined the final chapter of his career.

What was Andrei Markov’s religion?

Publicly available information

No publicly available source confirms Andrei Markov’s religious affiliation. He has not discussed his faith in interviews, and no biographical profile from NHL.com, Elite Prospects, or Wikipedia includes this detail. Any claims about his religion are speculative and unverified.

The implication: Markov’s personal beliefs remain private, and reputable sources do not address this aspect of his life. Readers should treat any online claims about his religion as unsubstantiated.

Where is Andrei Markov now?

Life after hockey

Markov has not taken a known coaching or front-office position since retiring (Elite Prospects). He resides either in Russia or Canada, though his exact location is not publicly confirmed. He holds dual Russian and Canadian citizenship (Elite Prospects).

Family and residence

Markov is married and has children, but he has kept his family life largely out of the public eye. He attended the Canadiens’ honor ceremony in Montreal in 2024, suggesting he maintains ties to the city and the franchise.

Possible future roles

As of 2025, Markov has not expressed interest in returning to hockey in an official capacity. His legacy as a player is secure, and he may choose to remain in private life. For Canadiens fans, the hope is that he will take on an alumni or ambassadorial role with the team.

What to watch

Markov’s absence from the Hockey Hall of Fame conversation is notable. He is not yet inducted, and his case — 572 points, no Stanley Cup, no individual awards — is a borderline one. The 2024 ceremony may signal a push for greater recognition, but for now, Markov remains a franchise legend without the Hall of Fame plaque.

Timeline

  • 1998: Drafted by Montreal Canadiens in 6th round (162nd overall) (NHL.com player profile)
  • 2000: NHL debut with Canadiens
  • 2009: Selected to NHL All-Star Game
  • 2017: Left Canadiens, signed with KHL’s Ak Bars Kazan (ESPN player page)
  • 2020: Officially retired from professional hockey (Elite Prospects)
  • 2024: Montreal Canadiens held a ceremony to honor his career
Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, statmuse.com

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Frequently asked questions

How many NHL teams did Andrei Markov play for?

Markov played for only one NHL team: the Montreal Canadiens. He spent all 16 of his NHL seasons with the franchise (NHL.com player profile).

Did Andrei Markov win the Stanley Cup?

No, Markov never won the Stanley Cup. The Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference Final in 2010 and 2014 but did not advance to the Final.

What is Andrei Markov’s height and weight?

Markov is listed at 6’0″ (182 cm) and 203 lbs (92 kg) (Elite Prospects).

When did Andrei Markov start playing hockey?

Markov began playing youth hockey with Khimik Voskresensk in his hometown of Voskresensk, Russia (Elite Prospects).

Was Andrei Markov an NHL All-Star?

Yes, Markov was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2009.

What jersey number did Andrei Markov wear?

Markov wore number 79 for the Montreal Canadiens throughout his NHL career.

How many seasons did Markov play in the KHL?

Markov played three seasons in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan, from 2017 to 2020.

Is Andrei Markov married?

Yes, Markov is married and has children, though he keeps his family life private.

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