Andrei Markov is currently in the
final year of his three-year deal worth $17.25 million and he's
looking for an extension. Earlier in the season, Andrei fired his
agent Don Meehan and decided to handle the contract negotiations.
Shortly thereafter it was announced that former Hab and teammate,
Sergei Berezin, had been hired as his new agent. Guess he didn't
realize how cutthroat negotiating can be. At 35 years of age, its not
about dollars so much as it is about term. The past couple seasons he
has gotten off to a great start only to fizzle out in the second half
and be almost invisible during playoffs due to logging big minutes
night in, night out. On repaired knees, it takes its toll and it's
obvious in his play. The age is beginning to show and he knows his
time is coming up, hence the term, he doesn't want to go through
another negotiation. Markov wants this to be his last contract.
It was reported yesterday that Marc
Bergevin offered Markov a one-year contract worth $6 million. I
believe he has since rejected the offer looking more for a three-year
contract. Is Bergevin prepared to go three years? No. I don't believe he
is. I also believe it was a bit of a PR move. Offer Markov a contract
that you know he will not take, that way you don't look like the bad
guy in the eyes of fans when that trade is announced. Fans absolutely
love #79, and would hate to see him go. If Andrei is not in the
Canadiens future plans, it would only make sense get something while
his value is still high. Smart asset management is what will make
Habs successful in the long run.
Now what is Markov worth on the open
market? Well, it's been reported by NHL insiders like Darren Dreger
and Bob Mackenzie that he could fetch a first round pick AND a young
roster player or high end prospect. If I had to guess on possible
trading partners since Andrei has a modified no-trade clause, which
basically means he can pick where he goes, I'd say places like
Washington to play with his buddy Alex, Pittsburgh, Vancouver or
Detroit. Those make sense to me anyway.
I also wouldn't be entirely shocked if
he happens to re-sign in Montreal. My guess, he takes two years at $5
million per year, he gets a bit more term and Marc saves a bit more
money because we all know he's got to back up the truck for P.K. Subban.
As far as rumors, Rene Bourque and
Brian Gionta are being shopped pretty hard, but no bites. Barely any
nibbles. A lot of the chatter will be put to bed by next week when
the NHL trade deadline approaches next week.
Sean Dempsey
Writer for Habsaddict.com, Father
of 3 with an awesome wife! Sports head – My father told me I'm a
Habs fan cause he dropped me; he's a Bruins fan. Follow me on twitter @Dewstyle_Hockey
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