Markov wanted to finish career with Canadiens

If Andrei Markov had his way, he would have concluded his career with the only NHL franchise he's ever known.

The veteran defenseman was clearly disappointed he won't be back with the Montreal Canadiens next season.

"I wanted to stay with the Canadiens for the rest of my career, but it won't happen," Markov said Thursday, hours after the club announced he will not be playing for them in 2017-18. "It's a business."

The 38-year-old, who later revealed he's headed to Russia to play in the KHL, said he couldn't imagine donning another NHL sweater.

"I didn't see myself with any other NHL team. I didn't see myself wearing another jersey," he said, adding, "I knew in my heart that I only wanted to sign in Montreal," according to TSN 690's Amanda Stein.

Markov repeatedly claimed Thursday he was willing to sign a one-year contract to stay with the Canadiens, for whom he played for nearly two decades.

"Those 16 years were a big part of my life," he said. "I will never forget my time here."

Markov added he's not closing the door on a reunion with Montreal, but the KHL is his destination for the immediate future.

The blue-liner ranks sixth on the Canadiens' all-time games played list with 990, and only Larry Robinson suited up for more (1,202) among defensemen in franchise history.