Many people expected Andrei Markov to re-sign with the Montreal Canadiens before free agency opened on July 1st.
The Canadiens are the only team Markov has played for during his 16 years in the NHL. But not only has Markov not signed with the Habs, he reportedly isn’t even talking to them about a new contract.
According to TSN 690 Montreal radio host Tony Marinaro, the only team negotiating with Markov right now is the Philadelphia Flyers.
Markov has decided to represent himself during negotiations (no agent), and his contract demands appear to be too high for Habs GM Marc Bergevin. Multiple reports have indicated that Markov is searching for a two-year deal worth $6 million per season, which is $250,000 more than he was making on his last contract.
With Carey Price’s huge extension kicking-in in two years, Montreal has be to wise about the way they allocate funds to veterans.
Markov, 38, has lost a step over the last couple of seasons, but he continues to be an effective defenseman that is capable of playing top 4 minutes on a consistent basis.
He had 36 points and a plus-18 rating in 62 games (he averaged 21:50 of ice time) during the regular season before adding one assist and a minus-1 rating (he averaged 26:09) in the playoffs.
Update:
So much for that:
Andrei Markov to Flyers will NOT happen. He is interested in them, they are not interested. Teams not interested in terms & $ Markov asking.
— Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) July 4, 2017