Andrei Markov

Andrei Viktorovich Markov is a former Russian-Canadian ice hockey defenseman. Markov, nicknamed “the General,” previously played for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League from 2000 to 2017.

Early Life, Family & Education

On December 20, 1978, Andrei Viktorovich Markov, also known as Andrei Markov, was born in Voskresensk, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

His parents are Nadezhda Petrovna and Andrei Grigorievih Markov. His father once belonged to the gentry.

For instance, Andrei’s father used to run a private estate in addition to working for the Forestry Department in St. Petersburg.

In terms of siblings, Mark Markov is Andrei’s twin brother. Their parents sent them to the church seminary for their education, forcing them to become church clerks afterward.

Professional Life

Andrei began playing for the Russian team Khimik Voskresensk at the young age of 18. Andrei played for roughly five years in Russia and was a quick but shy player.

In addition, he was affiliated with clubs like Dynamo Moskva, which included Russia’s under-18 and under-20 national teams.

Between 1998 and 2005, Andrei participated in the Continental Cup, EHT, and Euro Hockey League.

 

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Later, in 2000, Andrei made his NHL and AHL debuts in Canada with the Montreal Canadiens and Quebec Citadelles, respectively.

Andrei, on the other hand, entirely dedicated himself to Canada until 2004. From there, Andrei began representing Canada in the NHL.

He did, however, play for Russia in games played at the international level.

Playing career

The Montreal Canadiens selected Markov in the sixth round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, 162nd overall.

He immigrated to North America and spent time between the Canadiens and their then-minor league club, the Quebec Citadelles of the American Hockey League, after being regarded as one of the top defensemen in Russia in 2000. (AHL).

 

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Furthermore, He has established himself as a fixture in the Canadiens’ starting lineup and is widely regarded as their best all-around defender after adding to his defensive repertoire.

On May 28, 2007, Markov agreed to a four-year contract with the Canadiens, keeping him with the organization through the 2010–11 campaign.

In the 2007–2008 season, he had a career year and was chosen to play as a starter in his first NHL All-Star Game.

Injury

Markov previously suffered an injury to his lower body in the early months of 2017. Markov was forced to sit out 13 games in a row for this reason.

In addition, the same lower-body injury’s persistent effects persisted.

As a result, it was impossible to predict when he might return. Markov, who had rested for a month after missing 19 games, was permitted to play in the meanwhile.

In the end, Markov still managed to collect a respectable 36 points in 62 games.

Although the result may have disappointed some, Markov had performed the best on his team. Markov eventually sat in at least 80 games for the first time that season.

Andrei Markov as the Captain

On the other hand, rumors persisted about the 28th captain of the Montreal Canadiens. Additionally, there were some allegations that Andrei Markov was given the opportunity to serve as captain.

Jacques Martin, the head coach, denied knowing anything more about the claim as Markov turned down the offer.

Similarly, Markov was reportedly considered by everyone to be the best candidate to succeed Saku Koivu as the Canadiens’ leader.

Along with him, Maxim Lapierre, Scott Gomez, a newcomer, and josh Gorges, a dark horse, were the other contenders for “C.”

Josh had previously led the Kelowna Rockets to a Memorial Cup victory in 2004.

A lot of his colleagues shared his enthusiasm for being a leader who flawlessly connects with both the crowd and the other players.

Markov, on the other hand, was never the coach or general manager’s choice, despite not being formally offered the position of captain.

Additionally, it is said that he is hesitant to accept the position of captain. In actuality, Markov has no chance of ever donning a “C” during his career.

Retirement

After playing in the KHL for the previous three seasons, Andrei Markov announced his retirement from ice hockey back in the year 2020.

Despite all of his successes, Markov still played in 89 playoff games as part of his commitment to the sport.

Net Worth

Andrei’s net worth was $35 million due to his connections to high-paying nations like Russia and Canada.

His contract with the Canadiens is worth $5.75 million yearly, according to the sources.

Andrei Markov | Relationship

For example, Andrei’s private information is not as widely known. Nevertheless, it is quite rare to see a Russian player of this caliber represent Canada.

According to reports, Andrei and Natalia Streckova were married and had twin sons.

Markov is currently wed to Sonya Sonechka. They were married in 2017.

Additionally, Andrei, who is of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, is a dual citizen of Canada and Russia.

Canadiens defender Andrei Markov was reportedly back in Moscow, Russia, in 2017.

 

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Natalia was attentive to their twin sons while Morkov and Natalia were apart in Russia. As a result, Streckova, 30, developed ovarian cancer.

Markov maintained contact with Natalia despite having another life partner.

Natalia, on the other hand, was physically deteriorating but still optimistic, Markov said. She was adamant that she could defeat the illness.

After that, Markov was in the middle of the season when he learned of the passing of his beloved ex-wife Natalia.

She was also introduced to Markov’s current partner, Sonya Sonechka, and her 10-month-old child before she passed away.

 

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Natalia had earlier received a commitment from Sonya that she would take care of Markov and Natalia’s twin children.

Markov asserted that no one could take the place of Natalia after all of this and left right after for Russia to bring his twin sons to Canada.

Furthermore, Markov wants to build a large, content family with his surviving relatives, including his daughter, who is 10 months old, and her mother, Sonya.

Body Measurements

Discussing his body measurements, Andrei was an NHL player and had an athletic body throughout his lifetime.

Social Media Presence