Not only will Andrei Markov not be re-signing with the Montreal Canadiens, the defenceman will not be sticking around North America this upcoming season. The unrestricted free agent announced on a conference call Thursday that he will be heading home to Russia and joining the Kontinental Hockey League for 2017-18. “I’ve made my decision to move back to Russia and play in the KHL,” Markov said on the call. Markov, 38, said he would have played for the Canadiens on a one-year contract but that Montreal declined. He is not ruling out a return to the NHL nor the Canadiens for 2018-19. By leaving the NHL and joining the KHL, Markov will become eligible to suit up for Team Russia at the 2018 Winter Games. Read more
