MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of defenseman Andrei Markov to a three-year contract (2011-12 to 2013-14). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased that Andrei has made the decision to pursue his career with the Montreal Canadiens. A player drafted and developed by our organization, Andrei brings a high level of talent and leadership to our team. We look forward to having him back in our lineup for the start of the upcoming season,” said Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier.

Markov controlling the play

Markov, 32, completed in 2010-11 his 10th season with the Canadiens in the NHL. The defenseman registered three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in seven games. He served four penalty minutes and maintained a +2 plus/minus differential, while averaging 22:54 seconds of ice time per game. Markov suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee on November 13 against Carolina.

Since 2000-01, Markov has registered 366 points (81 goals, 285 assists) in 623 NHL regular-season games. The 6’0’’, 209 lbs defenseman has recorded 361 penalty minutes and maintained a +31 plus/minus differential. Markov has scored 41 of his goals on the powerplay and two on the penalty kill. He has accumulated 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists) in 49 career NHL playoff contests.

A native of Voskresensk, Russia, Markov was the Canadiens’ sixth pick (third round, 162nd overall) at the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He was part of the Russian team at the 2006 Torino and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

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