Dynamic Russian Prospects & Markov's Great Career
A look at the Habs' two dynamic Russian prospects, Andrei Markov's excellent career, and more.
Welcome to the THW Montreal Canadiens Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Canadiens writers.
In today’s edition, we take a look at the Habs' two dynamic Russian prospects, Andrei Markov's excellent career, and more.
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Konyushkov & Volokhin: Canadiens’ 2 Dynamic Russian Prospects
December 20, 2023 by Trege Wilson
There is a lot of focus on the Montreal Canadiens’ prospects from around the world this time of year with the World Junior Championship (WJC) starting Boxing Day. Players like Lane Hutson, Owen Beck, and Jacob Fowler are taking up all the North American headlines and David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom are getting all the overseas attention so it’s been easy for fans and media to forget about a critical hockey world: Russia.
Since the war with Ukraine began, most media and fans have put Russian hockey on the back burner except for players like Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matevi Michkov and 2024 draft hopeful Ivan Demidov. Not many prospects are featured in hockey news or discussed much on social media. The Canadiens have a bevy of talent playing in Russia that could significantly impact the team.
Canadiens’ Andrei Markov – Revisiting the General’s Career
December 20, 2023 by Melissa Boyd
Andrei Markov, one of the Montreal Canadiens’ all-time great defensemen, announced his retirement from professional hockey on April 16, 2020, at the age of 41. Being one of the best at your position for a team with a plethora of legendary players like the Canadiens is no easy feat, but the man they nicknamed “The General” has earned his place on that illustrious list.
Markov spent his entire 16-year NHL career with the Habs before playing three years in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan and Lokomotiv Yaroslavl from 2017 until the end of this season. He also represented Russia at the Olympics, as well as both the World Junior and Senior Championships. In 2008, Markov captured gold at the World Championships in Canada (Halifax and Quebec City were the host cities).
Canadiens Can’t Rush Rebuild for Shot at 2024 Playoffs
December 19, 2023 by Blain Potvin
The Montreal Canadiens have begun their annual western road trip, and even though they are over .500, and the final wild-card position is within reach, there are still three teams between them and the postseason. With the team in only the second year of a rebuild, there is no need for general manager Kent Hughes to rush the process.
There will be many discussions about keeping certain veterans or trading them at the deadline – if the value of keeping them is higher than what the trade market can provide. We will look at the balancing act Hughes faces in the coming months.