Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Report: Markov wants three years, $18 million from Habs

New York Rangers v Montreal Canadiens - Game One

MONTREAL, QC - MAY 17: Andrei Markov #79 of the Montreal Canadiens takes the shot against the New York Rangers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 17, 2014 in Montreal, Canada. The Rangers defeated the Canadiens 7-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Andrei Markov has been a staple of the Montreal Canadiens lineup for 13 seasons and now he’s looking for a raise.

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the 35-year-old defenseman is seeking a three-year deal from the Habs worth $18 million.

Markov is coming off a three-year deal that paid him $17.25 million but there’s a big difference between that deal and what he’s seeking now -- age.

At 35 years old, the rules change when it comes to contracts meaning the Habs would be stuck with Markov’s cap hit whether he’s playing or he’s retired. With the history of injuries he has had in recent years, it’s understandable why the Habs would be hesitant to give him three years.

This season, Markov had seven goals and 43 points in 81 games. His points per-game pace of 0.53 was below his career average (0.58) and his lowest in a full season since 2003-04. Buyer beware.

Follow @JoeYerdonPHT