Why Andrei Markov Should Be The Next Captain Of The Montreal Canadiens

When the Montreal Canadiens take to the ice this season, someone other than Saku Koivu will be wearing the "C" for the first time in nine seasons. It will be an unusual sight for fans, as Koivu has been the face of the franchise throughout his captaincy. But change is inevitable in the world of hockey, and a new leader must be chosen. That leader should be Andrei Markov. Since entering the league in the 2000-2001 season, Markov has quietly become one of the best defenseman in the NHL. The two-time all-star has been increasing his point totals almost every season since joining the Canadiens, and when he had a career year of 58 points in 2007-2008, many cast this off as a fluke due to the Habs's dominant power play that year. But Markov went out and proved those doubters wrong. Even with a putrid power play that wasn't even a shadow of its former self, Markov went out there and had another career year, posting 64 points. Had he not fallen to injury near the...