Andrei Markov was forced to leave a KHL game Friday after suffering an "unknown injury" in the second period and didn't return. This from Pavel Lysenkov of Sovietsky Sport. Markov hasn't exactly been the most durable player during the past few seasons of his career. He played a combined 20 games the last two seasons because of knee woes and participated in just 45 in 2009-10. He has one point in nine games for Vityaz Chekov.

Don Cherry likes the look of the Montreal Canadiens, as long as Carey Price and Andrei Markov stay healthy. "He's the guy, the key," Cherry said of Markov, who played in just 20 games over the last two seasons. "If you look at when (Chris) Pronger was with Philly, well, Markov is the stud you've got to have back there." Markov is finally healthy and has an assist in six KHL games. Despite some early comments, Markov recently assured the public that he will return to Montreal once the lockout ends.

Andrei Markov's clarified comments made Thursday that he was unsure if he'd return to the NHL from the KHL if/when a season begins. The Montreal Gazette caught up with Markov: "My priority is to play in the NHL, to come back to Montreal," he said. "This isn't just about me. All players want a fair (CBA) agreement, right? If that happens, I'll be in Montreal. ... But right now we don't have an agreement. I'm not a businessman, I'm just a hockey player. ... Everybody needs to see an agreement. [NHL commissioner] Gary Bettman said he'd like to start the season Nov. 2. I'd be happy to do that, but we need a fair agreement for that to happen."

Andrei Markov caused a bit of stir when TVA reported Thursday that he may not return to the NHL once the lockout was settled. He called the decision to return or stay with KHL club Vityaz Chekhov a "difficult question." In a video interview for a Russian sports outlet, Markov said "I can't say right now anything if I'm staying or going back to the NHL, but we'll see. When the time comes, then I'll make a decision." His agent, Don Meehan, attempted to put out the fire by telling Richard Labbe of La Presse that Markov would return to North America when a new CBA is finalized and that rumors of him staying in Russia are false.

Andrei Markov has suited up in two KHL games with Vityaz Chekhov and admits that he isn't quite up to speed yet. "I'm not there yet. I'm not in top shape, " he said. "But I'm happy with my progress and looking forward to playing more. I felt good in my first game, too. The difference is the bigger (international) ice and the game is played a little different than in North America. But I expected that and was ready for it. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I need some time to be in game shape, it can't happen right away. I'm happy to work on it." In his two appearances going into Wednesday's match against Spartak Moscow, he has no points, five shots and an average ice time of 17:41.

Andrei Markov has signed on to play with Vityaz Chekhov in the KHL during the NHL's work stoppage. "I'm very pleased to be in this team and grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the team," said Markov. "I know a lot of the guys and it won't be hard work for me to move into the group." The Montreal defenseman is familiar with several management officials and some players from his days with Moscow Dynamo earlier in his career. He also played with Dynamo during the 2004-05 lockout. Markov could use the playing time after spending the vast majority of the past three seasons on the sidelines, but he's never that far away from another injury so keep an eye on him if you plan on taking a gamble on him in your fantasy league.

Andrei Markov skated and scored last Thursday in Chƒteauguay during the first game of the Tourn‚e des joueurs charity exhibition series. He played in 13 of Montreal's final 14 games last season after missing the vast majority of the year with his second torn anterior cruciate ligament in less than seven months. He feels healthier than he's been in the past three years, where he's played in just 65 total contests, but he's currently locked out by the NHL. If the lockout lingers, Markov would be open to a return to Russia to play in the KHL. "It's a possibility. I just want to play," he said. "To lose another season would be my third. I don't want to do that. If I'm going to have options over there, I'll look at them. Actually, I'm looking forward to playing there. Why not? It's like a new league. There are good players there."

Andrei Markov was on the ice for just 15:47 minutes on Wednesday. Markov got an assist in his return from a knee injury, but he had no points in the four games that followed. It's reasonable to assume that he has to shake off some rust after being sidelined for 483 days. All the same, we wouldn't be surprised if he makes some tangible improvements in the final weeks of the season.

Andrei Markov (upper body) is healthy enough to play on Saturday. Markov missed Friday's contest due to the ailment. He has played in three games since returning from a knee injury.

Andrei Markov will miss Friday's game due to an upper body injury. Markov lasted only three games before ending up back on the sidelines. The silver lining is that it's being described as an upper body injury, so we'll take that to mean that it has nothing to do with his knee.