Montreal Canadiens Trying To Re-Sign Andrei Markov

After returning from the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Andrei Markov and the Montreal Candiens are getting back to business. For the two sides, that means trying to hammer out a new contract.

Markov is in the final season of a three year deal and can become an unrestricted free agent if he doesn’t re-sign before July 1. Tony Marinaro, a radio host on TSN 690, said that Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin had offered Markov a one-year deal worth “just over $6 million” and that Markov and his agent, Sergei Berezin, countered with a three-year deal. Marinaro also noted that Bergevin wants to stick with one-year deals in Markov’s case.

When told of Marinaro’s comments, Markov had this to say…

"“Who said that?”"

He was then told it was Marinaro, he reacted like this…

"“Probably I guess he was over at the meetings? Like I said, I have nothing to say right now. Wherever you guys [the media] try fishing or whatever, that’s up to you.”"

In the same scrum, Markov said he wanted to remain in Montreal, where he has played his entire career, but only controls what he does on the ice.

"“It’s still in progress and there’s nothing I can say right now… I’m going to focus on my game. Whatever comes of it, then we’ll decide and see what happens. I already said that I want to stay here and I love it here. I like the organization and the fans and the city. But I can’t control it and it’s not up to me, so I’ll just try to enjoy every moment.”“I’ll leave that [to the media] and right now I’m just gonna focus on my game… I just want to try and focus and try to help our team be better on the ice.”"

After several seasons where all he could do is get hurt, Markov has enjoyed the last two seasons injury free. It makes sense that Markov thinks that he should get multi-year deal, at least looking at it from his perspective. Bergevin obviously has some fears that Markov’s injury troubles could return. Of course, Markov’s age could have something to do with it as well.