Report: Veteran UFA holding out for $7 million

Andrei Markov has been a fixture of the Montreal Canadiens blue line for over 15 seasons. But, with his three-year, $17.25 million contract expiring this offseason and the Habs needing to make critical decisions about the team’s future, there’s a very real possibility that Markov could sign elsewhere come July, 1st.

In fact, a rumor report indicates that Markov’s contract demands could drive him out of the picture in Montreal.

Interesting. While the salary at $3.5 million is a substantial step down from the $5.75 million he received in 2016-17, the two-year term may scare off Habs GM Marc Bergevin. After all, while Markov is still a valuable producer, he’ll turn 39 next season. Committing to a player until age 40 is a risky proposition, and it’s likely that the Habs would be more comfortable taking things “year-by-year”.