What has Markov become?

[HeShootsHeScores]

He isn't being let go or traded, so I don't think he'll lose much sleep.

Easy trade bait imo.

 

[mim0910]

He has exceeded my expectations this year, honestly I hated the signing when he got his last contract, but ive enjoyed watching him this year, seems to control the pace differently than others when he carries the puck.


On another team, he's a #3 with lots of PP time imo.

 

[yianik]

Markov is slower, and unable to play the excellent positional hockey as he did before as he doesn't have the speed to get back and in position. He needs less ice-time and to ease up on the pinching, unless playing less gives him that extra speed over the long season. Otherwise he is still a great asset to this team with his top skill and vision, and likely will be for more time to come. I have no doubt he also is a tremendous mentor to the younger guys. So I don't see Markov being traded and after his contract is up next year I expect he and the Habs will work out year to year contracts up until the time he hangs them up, and we should be thankful he loves playing here and wants to stay.

 

[Rscorpio]

expendable

 

[Kriss E]

I'm afraid the coaching staff overplayed Markov into the ground. Hope I'm wrong.

I agree that he was overplayed but not because he's too old, it's more because he has played very little hockey in the 3 previous years. Lets not forget that it's not just 47 games that he's played this year, he also played in the KHL during the lockout. So I'm sure fatigue is hitting him.

Still a great bounce back season all things considered. I expect (or hope) him to be more solid next season despite getting older. You can do as much conditioning work as you want in the off season nothing compares to a gruesome schedule and the wear&tear of a regular season in the NHL.

We also ha Subban sitting out early this year and we didn't give him big minutes until Diaz went down.

I don't think we should worry about anything with Markov, he'll be better next year IMO.

 

[madhi19]

He was badly managed like Gorges and Bouillon, Therrien should have reduced their ice time a while ago. Now all three have been out of gas for three weeks now. And the crappier April got the less likely the Habs were to do the logical thing and scratch them a few times.

 

[Dr_Hook]

Damaged goods ?

A lot of athletes repeat that after those kinds of knee surgeries, you can play after x amount of time, but it takes WAY longer to actually be strong and comfortable again ; so maybe he finds his stride back next year. But at his age, what are the odds ? Gotta say I'm pessimistic.

The way he plays now, he barely makes the top 4 of a serious team.

 

[DekeLikeYouMeanIt]

Played too much this season. KHL top minutes and here. Resting him against Toronto would be a good idea but ofcourse Therrien won't do that.

 

[Demon Wolf]

Still the second best defenseman on our team. Needs to time his pinches more but I think he'll come back even stronger next season.

 

[Natey]

A solid minute eating 2nd pairing defenseman who can run a PP.

 

[Demon Wolf]

A solid minute eating 2nd pairing defenseman who can run a PP.

Still possibly the very best in the business at that PP thing.

 

[Alexdaman]

Played too much this season. KHL top minutes and here. Resting him against Toronto would be a good idea but ofcourse Therrien won't do that.

fans know best.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

It's sad to see him this much slower but he's still an asset.

There's a chance he can regain some of his speed next year but I'm not counting on it. If he doesn't then his minutes hopefully can be reduced.

Wouldn't rule out a mini-comeback from him in a contract year.

Honestly, I'm just happy he's gone this far without re-injury.

 

[Kenny Powders]

Markov has become an pinching machine.

It should be a drinking game, each time Markov pinch is unsucessful or create a 2 on 1. You take a shooter.

You'll be down before the end of the first

 

[wedge]

I would resign him next year, but at around 3-3.5

 

[habsfanatics*]

I think Markov should be paired with Gorges, I prefer PK be the free wheeler on his line, Subban has to hold back with markov, because marky jumps so often.

 

[hockeyfan2k11]

I'm afraid the coaching staff overplayed Markov into the ground. Hope I'm wrong.

I think they did. I also think Markov just isn't the same player. I remember having this discussion last year where many thought Markov would bounce back and be the same player as if he hasn't missed 3 years of time and wasn't old. Hearing how he was the best dman on the team was . He still has value, but he is very poor in his own zone now. He's a smart guy, though....I think he'll adjust his game as he no longer has the speed to pinch and get back.

 

[Habtchum*]

I think Markov should be paired with Gorges, I prefer PK be the free wheeler on his line, Subban has to hold back with markov, because marky jumps so often.

Gorges (or Emelin) are the ideal d-partners for Markov. And they should play 2nd unit minutes, not top minutes.

 

[hototogisu]

A solid minute eating 2nd pairing defenseman who can run a PP.

Pretty much. Too many people being dramatic in here, as usual.

There are two things I hope happen next year:
1) The coaches play Markov less
2) Markov gets a better grasp on his limitations and plays more conservatively

 

[Ginu]

Remember, he hadn't played for almost 2 years before this season. He's rusty and tired right now. He'll be back stronger next year with more games under his belt. It takes time at his age to get back into it. Especially with the condensed schedules with fewer days off this season.

 

[habtastic]

Tired? He hasn't played hockey in how long?

He'll be just fine next year. He's an elite D man for what he brings, some of the comments here are absurd considering he's been great THIS year. Maybe he'd be better 5 on 5 if we could convert a freaking cross crease pass. How many back door chances has he gone in for and not gotten the pass.

Granted he's slowed down, but he's one of the most talented D men in the league and that includes his brain.

 

[Habtchum*]

Tired? He hasn't played hockey in how long?

He'll be just fine next year. He's an elite D man for what he brings, some of the comments here are absurd considering he's been great THIS year. Maybe he'd be better 5 on 5 if we could convert a freaking cross crease pass. How many back door chances has he gone in for and not gotten the pass.

Granted he's slowed down, but he's one of the most talented D men in the league and that includes his brain.

Tired and rusted. One is as worst as the other. The guy is not 20 y old anymore. And he played in Russia before starting his NHL season this year.

 

[Brainiac]

Am I the only thinking Markov could actually improve next year?

He's probably affected a little this year because of his injury history and lack of 'normal' training in the last few years.

But after a full season and normal summer training, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he plays better next year.

 

[habtastic]

I think Markov should be paired with Gorges, I prefer PK be the free wheeler on his line, Subban has to hold back with markov, because marky jumps so often.

If Markov has slowed down in footspeed, what has Gorges ALWAYS been? Not a good combo IMO.

 

[habtastic]

ANybody remember when PK had not signed yet, what was happening to our decimated D lineup?

All that has changed is fatigue which is expected after what he's gone through. He's not washed up, he's just still recovering from 2+ years of serious injury and still playing a vital role on this team. I agree now he has to be managed (the playoffs), but he'll be right as rain next year. Is he the only D man who has been "bad" lately or something?