Andrei Markov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Andrei Markov |
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Markov with the Montreal Canadiens in 2015
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| Born | 20 December 1978 Voskresensk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
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| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | ||
| Weight | 203 lb (92 kg; 14 st 7 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | Khimik Voskresensk Dynamo Moscow Montreal Canadiens Vityaz Chekhov Ak Bars Kazan Lokomotiv Yaroslavl |
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| National team |  Russia |
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| NHL Draft | 162nd overall, 1998 Montreal Canadiens |
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| Playing career | 1995–2020 | ||
Andrei “The General” Viktorovich Markov (Russian: Андрей Викторович Марков; born 20 December 1978) is a retired Russian-Canadian ice hockey player. He played as a defenceman (a player who helps protect their team's goal). Markov played most of his career, from 2000 to 2017, with the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is a citizen of both Russia and Canada.
Becoming a Pro Hockey Player
Andrei Markov was chosen by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He was picked in the sixth round, as the 162nd player overall.
Starting in North America
- In 2000, Markov was seen as one of the best defencemen in Russia.
- He then moved to North America to play.
- He spent time playing for both the Canadiens and their minor league team, the Quebec Citadelles. The Citadelles played in the American Hockey League (AHL).
- After improving his defensive skills, he became a regular player for the Canadiens. Many people thought he was their most complete defenceman.
Playing During the NHL Lockout
During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, when NHL games were paused, Markov went back to Russia. He played for Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Superleague (RSL).
Career Highlights and Injuries
On 28 May 2007, Markov signed a four-year contract to stay with the Canadiens. This contract kept him with the team until the 2010–11 season.
First NHL All-Star Game
- The 2007-08 NHL season was a great year for Markov.
- He was chosen to play in his first NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta. He was even a starter!
Dealing with Injuries
- On 1 October 2009, Markov had a bad ankle injury. He collided with his teammate, Carey Price, and Price's skate cut his ankle.
- Doctors first thought he would be out until February 2010.
- But Markov recovered much faster! He returned to play on 19 December 2009, against the New York Islanders.
- In his return game, Markov scored two goals, helping the Canadiens win 3–0.
- During the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs, on 30 April, Markov got another leg injury. This happened after he was hit by player Matt Cooke of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Becoming a Canadian Citizen
On 16 July 2010, Andrei Markov officially became a Canadian citizen.
More Injuries and Comebacks
- During the 2010–11 season, Markov played only seven games. He earned three points (one goal and two assists).
- On 13 November 2010, he hurt his knee in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
- He had surgery on 8 December 2010 and missed the rest of that season.
- On 23 June 2011, Markov signed a new three-year contract with the Canadiens.
- On 10 March 2012, he played his first game in over a year. He got an assist in a 4–1 win against the Vancouver Canucks.
Later Career and Leadership
- On 23 June 2014, Markov signed another three-year contract with the Canadiens.
- On 15 September 2014, Markov was named an alternate captain for the Canadiens. He shared this leadership role with P. K. Subban, Tomáš Plekanec, and Max Pacioretty. The team did not have a main captain at that time.
- On 18 September 2015, it was announced that Markov and Brendan Gallagher would serve as alternate captains for Max Pacioretty, who became the team captain.
Leaving the NHL and Retirement
- On 26 July 2017, it was announced that Andrei Markov would not return to the Montreal Canadiens for the 2017-2018 season. He had spent his entire NHL career with the team, playing 990 games over 16 years.
- Two days later, on 28 July, Markov agreed to a two-year deal with Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL (a major hockey league in Europe and Asia).
- In his first season in the KHL, Markov's team, Ak Bars Kazan, won the Gagarin Cup.
- On 16 April 2020, Andrei Markov announced that he was retiring from professional hockey.
See Also
Images for kids
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Andrei Markov with the Montreal Canadiens in 2010
