Markov Downplays Past Rift with Bergevin, Reflects on Canadiens Career
Kazan, Russia - Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov revealed he has moved past a previous contentious relationship with ex-Canadiens General Manager marc Bergevin, stating he “doesn’t even know what has become” of the executive. The comments came during a recent interview where Markov revisited his 16 seasons with the Canadiens, offering reflections on key moments and his enduring connection to the organization.
Markov’s relationship with Bergevin reportedly soured after Bergevin took over as GM. A visit from The Newspaper to Markov in Kazan months after the change found the defenseman expressing feelings of disrespect regarding the transition. However, nearly nine years later, Markov indicated the issue is firmly in the past.
“It’s really a past now. I don’t think about it anymore. Besides, I don’t even know what it has become, what he does now,” Markov said, referencing Bergevin’s current role as an advisor with the Los Angeles Kings for the past three and a half seasons. ”There is nothing we can do to change it. I prefer to focus on good memories.”
Those good memories prominently feature moments like Saku Koivu’s emotional return to Montreal following his battle with cancer, which markov described as “breathtaking” and highlighted the “crazy” reception from fans. He also fondly recalled the intense rivalries with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, and the celebrations surrounding the Canadiens’ centennial.
“When you look at the ceiling of the Bell Center and you see all these numbers withdrawn, you realise how much this team has in history,” Markov stated. “There are so many excellent players who have built the fame of this organization.It makes playing for this team even more special.”
despite opportunities to explore free agency, including potential offers from teams like the Washington capitals to join friend alex Ovechkin, Markov consistently chose to remain in Montreal. He expressed belief in the Canadiens’ potential for success during his tenure.
“Why wouldn’t we have been lucky to win in Montreal?” Markov countered when asked about potentially joining a stronger contender. “I consider that,at the time,we had a very good team. I wouldn’t say we had a chance to win the Stanley Cup every year, but we had the best goalkeeper in the League. So you never know.”
During his time with the Canadiens, Markov surpassed 100 points in a season four times and reached the Eastern Conference Final in both 2010 and 2014, ultimately falling short of a Stanley Cup championship.
