Markov will call it a career having spent the past three seasons playing in the KHL, Igor Eronko of Sport-Express reports.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to his return to Russia, Markov spent 16 years playing in the NHL for the Canadiens. In 990 NHL contests, the blueliner racked up 119 goals and 453 helpers, including 294 power-play points. The Russian added another 89 playoff games to his resume but was never able to lift Lord Stanley's cup.

Markov has signed a one-year deal with Lokomotiv Yaroslav of the KHL, reports the Montreal Gazette.

EDGE Analysis

The 40-year-old defender had hoped to catch on with an NHL squad, but there weren't really any bites. Markov has spent the last two seasons in KHL with Kazan Ak-Bars and put up 14 points (12 assists) in 49 games last season. He played in the NHL for 16 seasons, all with Montreal, and put up 119 goals, 453 assists and 572 points in 990 games.

Markov is training in Florida in the hope of securing an NHL contract, according to his agent Allan Walsh.

EDGE Analysis

Markov spent the last two years playing in the KHL for Kazan Ak-Bars, in which he notched seven goals and 40 assists in 104 contests. Prior to his return to Russia, the veteran blueliner played 16 years in the NHL, all for the Habs, and made 990 appearances. While it seems like a longshot the 40-year-old will land a contract right out of the gate, it wouldn't be a shock to see him sign a professional tryout for training camp.

Markov agreed on a two-year deal with AK Bars Kazan of the KHL, Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Markov is said to have chosen that club due to his history with head coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov. Fantasy owners can safely cut bait on Markov in all formats since we hadn't heard of him being linked to any team other than the Habs before he ultimately settled on the KHL deal.

Markov will return to his native Russia and join the KHL for the upcoming 2017-18 campaign.

EDGE Analysis

Markov told reporters he couldn't imagine playing for another NHL team. No doubt the chance of suiting up at the 2018 Winter Olympics -- something he wouldn't be able to do in the NHL -- factored into the decision as well. After 16 seasons with the Habs, this likely will end the blueliner's NHL career with 990 games in which he tallied 119 goals, 453 helpers and 505 PIM.

Markov, who has spent 16 years of service time exclusively with the Canadiens, officially will not return with the club for the 2017-18 season.

EDGE Analysis

The writing was on the wall that Markov would end up walking as an unrestricted free agent once Habs GM Marc Bergevin elected to expose the veteran to the Golden Knights for the expansion draft, and the big boss also courted the likes of Karl Alzner, David Schlemko and Mark Streit in free agency. Assuming that Markov wants to continue his NHL career, he shouldn't have trouble finding a new employer if the asking price is reasonable. He's manufactured 572 points (119 goals, 453 assists) over 990 career contests, and he still averaged 21:50 of ice time last season despite turning 38 years old in December.

Markov, a pending unrestricted free agent, is likely to move on from the Canadiens, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 38-year-old Russian averaged just over 40 points with the Habs over the past five seasons, living up to the expression that age is just a number. Still, it's strange to think that he could be moving on after spending all 17 years of his career in Montreal. Markov averaged 21:50 of ice time in 2016-17, so expect him to remain productive as long as his body can handle the rigors of a full season.

Markov was made available by the Canadiens for Wednesday's expansion draft, TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Markov just finished his 16th NHL season with the Canadiens and posted 36 points in 62 games. It was the first time since 2012-13 that the 38-year-old Markov did not appear in at least 80 games, as he missed a stretch in December and January with a lower-body injury. Markov is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, so if he goes unselected by the Golden Knights, he'll be on the open market to sign a new deal with the team of his choice.

Markov won't be playing in the World Championships in Europe next month, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

The blueliner had a solid 36 points in 62 games, but unfortunately missed a stretch in late December and early January that impacted his total numbers. Despite being 38-years-old, he doesn't seem like he is on the decline quite yet.

Markov will not be in the lineup Saturday versus host Detroit, TSN's John Lu reports.

EDGE Analysis

None of Markov, Max Pacioretty, Alexander Raduluov or Carey Price traveled to the Motor City for what would be a rather meaningless contest with the Habs already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. Markov finishes the regular-season campaign with 36 points (six goals, 30 assists) in 62 games, which is a modest decline in production compared to last year.