Andrei Markov re-signs with Montreal Canadiens for three years

May 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov (79) celebrates a goal by defenseman P.K. Subban (not pictured) against the New York Rangers during the third period in game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov (79) celebrates a goal by defenseman P.K. Subban (not pictured) against the New York Rangers during the third period in game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Montreal Canadiens re-signed one of the two high-profile defensemen on their roster as the club reached an agreement on a three-year deal with Andrei Markov.

More from Montreal Canadiens

Markov has played his entire career with the Canadiens since they took him in the sixth round of the 1998 NHL Draft and this deal goes a long way toward ensuring that he will play his entire career in Montreal.

He will be 38 years old when the deal expires, but he still has value as a leader for the team that lost to the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals and scored seven goals and 36 assists in 81 games.

“We are very happy to have secured a long term agreement with Andrei,” Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said. “He is an important part of our group of core players. He is healthy, shows a very good work ethic and has great leadership skills. He plays big minutes against the top opponents, and game-changing defensemen of his calibre are hard to find.”

Markov tells’ Bergevin he is excited to continue his hockey career in the only city he has called home during his NHL career and hopes they can built on this season’s success.

“I am very pleased to be a member of the Montreal Canadiens organization for the coming years,” Markov said. “I love Montreal and I am very confident in our group of players. I want to contribute to the success of our team.”

With Markov locked up for the next three seasons, the Canadiens can direct their focus toward re-signing former Norris Trophy winning defenseman P.K. Subban to a new deal.