Markov to play in KHL next season

Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov will play in the KHL next season, he told reporters Thursday.

Markov, a native of Russia, heads home after spending 16 years in the NHL - all with the Canadiens.

His 572 points with Montreal are tied for second-most by a defenseman in the franchise's history, but a number of factors - including his reportedly lofty contract demands, the Canadiens' limited cap space, and Mark Bergevin's decision to add four left-handed shooting defensemen this offseason - eventually led the two sides to part ways.

It remains unclear which KHL team Markov will join, but considering the 38-year-old is coming off a stellar season, he should have no shortage of options.

Markov will now be eligible to represent Team Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.