Conflicting reports of an NHL return for Andrei Markov.

There are conflicting reports about a potential return to the National Hockey League, but there is good reason to be skeptical about it.

According to multiple reports veteran National Hockey League defenseman Andrei Markov is looking to return to the National Hockey League, due in part to the fact that his demands of a contract valued at $2.5 million per season are untenable for organizations in that league. That seems like an awfully big number for a player that was already in decline before he bolted for the Kontinental Hockey League, and there are many who are skeptical that Markov will receive an offer at the NHL level.

That being said Markov has reportedly spoken to a number of teams in the National Hockey League, including his former team the Montreal Canadiens. I would suspect however that none of those teams have been willing to meet his demands, something that the fact he remains a free agent would seemingly confirm. Over the week-end the top Montreal Canadiens insider in the business, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports, touched on the rumors of a potential return of Markov to the Habs, and he was quick to shut those down.

"There is a general manager in the National Hockey League, one who I swear is not Marc Bergevin, who told me something interesting," began Lavoie before adding "He said 'Renaud if a player has gone to the KHL, it is because he is no longer good enough to play in the NHL.'"

Although the NHL insider remained polite during the segment it was clear that he does not put much weight into the current skill level of the now 40 year old Markov. Lavoie went out of his way to make it crystal clear that he does not believe there is any chance of Markov returning to the Montreal Canadiens to wear the red, white and blue colors of the Habs once again.

"It will not happen," said Lavoie.

Lavoie stated that all Habs fans who were secretly hoping to see the long time defenseman return for a final swan song should face the reality that Markov is now simply "too slow" a player to return to the NHL.