Former Habs defenseman Markov retires

Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov announced his retirement from professional hockey Thursday, the team announced.

Montreal selected Markov in the sixth round of the 1998 draft, and he went on to spend his entire NHL career with the club. The 41-year-old played his last three seasons in the KHL after his contract with the Canadiens expired at the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign.

Over 16 seasons in Montreal, Markov racked up 119 goals and 453 assists in 990 games. He ranks second in franchise history among defensemen in games played and points, trailing Larry Robinson in both categories.