The Montreal Canadiens and Andrei Markov have hit a wall in their ongoing contract negotiations, and it appears the veteran defenseman will test the market as an unrestricted free agent, reports Sportsnet's Eric Engels.
Markov reportedly requested a two-year contract worth $12 million earlier in June, and is eligible to sign anywhere he chooses come July 1.
The 38-year-old has spent 16 seasons with the Canadiens since being drafted 162nd overall in 1998. While he's stated his desire to remain with the Habs, his demands might be too steep for Marc Bergevin. The general manager needs to make a choice on Alexander Radulov, as well as craft a new contract for RFA Alex Galchenyuk, while negotiations loom involving an extension for all-world netminder Carey Price.
Andrei Markov has never hit July 1 as an unsigned UFA. Unless he signs with Habs by noon tomorrow, this would be a first for him at age 38.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) June 30, 2017
Markov's certainly lost foot speed with age, but has remained reliable in Montreal's top four. In 62 games last season, Markov averaged 21:50 of ice time, while contributing six goals and 30 assists.
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