HabsWorld.net --
Fresh off signing a 3-year contract extension, the pressure will be on Andrei
Markov to produce. Historically an elite defenceman, Markov’s recent
injury history has called into question whether his best days are behind him,
and if he is only a shift away from another debilitating injury. When
healthy, Markov plays in virtually every situation and his point production is
consistent. That being said, will "The General" lead the way from the
blueline, or will he be watching games from the press box this season?
2010-11
Markov was limited to 7 games last season after suffering two injuries to the
same knee. In those few games, Markov assumed his usual role on the team
and tallied 3 points, with one coming on the powerplay.
Season Stats: 7 GP, 1 goal, 2 assists, +2, 4 PIM, 1 PPA, 20 shots, 22:54 TOI
5-Year Averages
(Please note that Markov’s injury-laden seasons have significantly
affected these averages)
GP: 58
Goals: 8
Assists: 33
Points: 41
+/-: +3
PIM: 38
PPP: 24
GWG: 2
Shots: 109
2011-12 Role
When he is healthy, Markov has been relied upon to play major
minutes. The ascension of P.K. Subban may lighten his load, but we can
safely expect Markov to be logging a lot of time on the powerplay, on the
penalty-kill and matched up against the opposition’s top players. Jacques
Martin has yet to disclose his defensive pairing for the upcoming season, but
Markov’s potential partners include Subban, Alexei Yemelin, Josh Gorges and Yannick Weber.
Projected Stats
A cloud of uncertainty clouds Markov’s point projections for this year.
Will Markov play a full season? Will he suffer no lingering ill-effects
from his knee surgeries? Has missing 112 games over the last 2 seasons
reduced his skill level? And although these questions can’t be answered
presently, one will have to take them into account when draft day rolls around.
There are too many negative scenarios associated with Markov to consider taking
him as your number one defenceman. Be patient and if he is available in
the later rounds, then by all means, snatch him up. With high reward comes
high risk, and Markov may end up proving to be an excellent sleeper pick this
season if he stays healthy.
GP: 72
Goals: 9
Assists: 37
Points: 46
+/-: +5
PIMS: 58
PPP: 34
GWG: 3
Shots: 199
