Markov states what he'll miss most about playing for the Canadiens

BarDown Staff

Andrei Markov is named the game's first star after a game against the Ottawa Senators. , Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images

After spending 16 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Andrei Markov has announced that he will be taking his talents to the KHL.

JUST IN: Montreal Canadiens announce that UFA D Andrei Markov will not be back with the team next season. #TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/WK7fagGAfw
— SportsCentre (@SportsCentre) July 27, 2017

Markov will be missed by Habs fans, after an illustrious NHL career which saw him record 572 points in 990 games.

Thank You Andrei Markov!
Drafted in 1998 by #Habs, 17th pick in 6th Round, 162nd overall.
990 GAMES - 119 GOALS - 453 ASSISTS - 572 POINTS! pic.twitter.com/99UoAU2aba
— HabsHappy🏒JeSuisCH (@HabsHappy) July 27, 2017

Not bad for a sixth round pick.

After releasing the news, the Russian was asked what he will miss most about playing for the Canadiens, and gave two very different responses.

"What will I miss the most? I think the gym will be empty without me in Montreal." - Andrei Markov
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 27, 2017

He then provided a more emotional response.

"The feeling when I jump on the ice, that's what I will miss most about it." - Andrei Markov
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 27, 2017

Incredible.

Markov’s first statement comes shortly after his friend, former teammate and now trainer Sergei Barazin shared a video of the veteran, saying that he is ‘looking better than ever.’

Looking better than ever...@marki79red pic.twitter.com/1T0kclyggx
— Sergei Berezin (@serber94) July 27, 2017

Wearing big CH for the last time last night! Sad to see you leave, brother... The future is bright... always respect @marki79red pic.twitter.com/eQnyjZyxvh
— Sergei Berezin (@serber94) July 27, 2017

At 38, Markov appears to still be in great shape and evidently has some gas left in the tank. It’s safe to say that Montreal’s weight room may have just lost its biggest gym rat.

(H/T r/Hockey)