A Well-Deserved Moment: Canadiens to Honor Andrei Markov in Pre-Game Ceremony
MONTREAL - Wednesday night at the Bell Centre won't just be about the game on the ice. Before the puck drops between the Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets, the spotlight will shine brightly on a player whose quiet excellence defined an era in Montreal: Andrei Markov.
Affectionately dubbed “The General” during his playing days, Markov will be honored in a pre-game ceremony that celebrates a remarkable 16-season career spent anchoring the Canadiens’ blue line. Earlier this year, the NHL named him to the Canadiens’ Quarter-Century Team - a fitting nod to a player whose impact was often understated but never unnoticed by those who shared the ice with him.
A Master of the Mental Game
Brendan Gallagher, who played alongside Markov for several seasons, summed up what made the Russian defenseman so effective - his mind.
“He was just smart,” Gallagher said. “He was never the fastest guy out there, but his positioning was elite.
He knew where the puck was going before it got there. He’d get to the right spot, use his stick the right way - just a really, really intelligent player.”
That anticipation, that ability to see the game one step ahead, was what separated Markov from so many others. He didn’t need flash. He had foresight.
Earning the Respect of the Game
Even players who faced off against Markov took notice. Alexander Ovechkin, no stranger to elite talent himself, spoke about the challenge of going up against him.
“Playing against Andrei was tough because he read the game so well,” Ovechkin said. “When he had the puck, something always happened - a great pass, a scoring chance. It was a privilege to play against him, and I was lucky enough to play with him in Russia and for the national team too.”
When a generational scorer like Ovechkin tips his cap, you know the respect is real. Markov wasn’t just good - he was a difference-maker, even among the best.
A Steadying Force in the Room
Carey Price, who spent much of his prime with Markov in front of him, pointed to the veteran’s professionalism and poise as a key influence during his early years.
“As a young player, it was huge to see how Marky took care of himself off the ice and how he approached practice,” Price said. “He was stoic - no nonsense, really calm.
He stayed even-keeled. I don’t think I ever saw him overwhelmed by anything.”
For a young goalie learning the ropes in a hockey-mad market, that kind of presence is invaluable. Markov didn’t need to say much - he led by example, and it stuck.
The Underappreciated Greatness
P.K. Subban, never one to mince words, believes Markov’s contributions were often overlooked - especially when it came to league-wide recognition.
“He never got enough credit for how talented he was,” Subban said. “Offensively, defensively, the way he saw the game, his power-play ability - he was a catalyst for the Canadiens for so many years. I’ve seen a lot of great defensemen get individual honors during his time, and he deserved to be in that conversation.”
Subban’s message was clear: Markov might not have piled up the accolades, but his impact was every bit as significant. Wednesday night, at least, he’ll get the recognition he’s long deserved.
A Rare Glimpse Behind the Curtain
José Théodore, who shared the ice and an agent with Markov during the early 2000s, recalled a rare emotional moment that revealed just how much the game - and the Canadiens - meant to him.
“He was a quiet guy, really reserved,” Théodore said. “But I remember when we beat Boston in 2002, he jumped into my arms.
I told him, ‘Why don’t you smile more? I never see you smile.’
He was just so happy. That was the first time I saw that side of him.”
It was a glimpse behind the stoic exterior - a reminder that beneath the calm demeanor was a fierce competitor who took immense pride in wearing the Canadiens sweater.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Andrei Markov’s career in Montreal wasn’t built on highlight-reel plays or headline-grabbing moments. It was built on consistency, intelligence, and a deep understanding of the game. He was the kind of player who made those around him better - the kind of player every team needs but few truly appreciate until they’re gone.
On Wednesday night, the Bell Centre faithful will have a chance to show their appreciation. And for a player who gave so much to the organization - often without fanfare - it’s a moment that couldn’t be more well-earned.