Montreal Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin insist that Andrei Markov's rehabilitation is on track. The Montreal Canadiens expect to have an update when Markov returns from a followup exam with Dr. James Andrews in Florida, but Martin and agent Don Meehan insist that the defenceman's rehabilitation is on track. Stay tuned as we know more on his status in the upcoming days.

Andrei Markov is having his knee examined in Florida by Dr. James Andrews. Dr. Andrews performed the defenseman's most recent knee surgery. Perhaps the Canadiens will be able to provide a status update on Markov once he gets back. We'll pass along any information we see.

Coach Jacques Martin said that Andrei Markov is "quite a ways" from being able to return to the lineup from his ailing knee. He is with the team but didn't skate on Monday. There's no timetable for when he will be available, but we'll keep you posted on his recovery.

Andrei Markov (knee) isn't expected to be available for the Canadiens' season opener. "Markov's rehab is going well," said coach Jacques Martin. "He's skating on his own and continues to work on building his strength. We knew from the start he wouldn't be ready for the start of the season, so it's on schedule." Markov and Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier had each stated earlier this month that they still hoped he would be able to play in the season opener. It's not clear when the Canadiens expect him to make his return. We'll keep you posted.

Andrei Markov (knee) still hopes to be available for the Canadiens' season opener despite his recent setback. Markov has stopped skating due to swelling in his surgically repaired knee, but he didn't seem overly concerned about the swelling. "It's the second surgery and sometimes it gets swollen, but I don't feel any pain or discomfort," Markov said. "But sometimes I feel it's a little tight and sometimes it gets a little swollen, but that's normal. I spent all summer here, working every day, and I'd like to come back tomorrow but sometimes it takes a little bit longer. That's part of rehab." Stay tuned.

Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier decided Andrei Markov's (knee) recently inked three-year/$17.25 million contract in the face of Markov's recent setback. Markov needed fluid drained from his knee and still isn't close to being 100%. "It's always a risk when you sign older players, first, and it's a bigger risk when you sign older players who have had injuries," said Gauthier. "But you evaluate that as a calculated risk, and you also evaluate what your options are. In the case of Mr. Markov, he's such a professional, such a hard working person. One of the things that was interesting about his knee is he had absolutely no collateral damage. The ACL was torn a second time, but in a lot of cases with knee injuries there's something else that's gone wrong, like an MCL or some cartilage. In his case it was strictly one band that was ruptured. So we feel pretty good about his prognosis." We'll keep an eye on Markov. Until we know more, we recommend erring on the side of caution and regarding him as questionable for the season opener.

According to Tony Marinaro of the Team 990, Andrei Markov was diagnosed with water in his knee several weeks ago. The knee was drained and now it needs to be rehabbed again. Markov reportedly suffered the setback as a result of training too hard for the upcoming season. The Canadiens aren't expected to comment on Markov's status until the team has their medical tests on Friday, but this sure to cause a stir as the offensive defenseman may not be ready for the start of the 2011-12 campaign.

There appears to be some doubt when it comes to Andrei Markov being available when the regular season begins. When GM Pierre Gauthier was asked about Markov being ready for the start of the year he said "we hope so." The Montreal defenseman has skated in only 52 games the past two seasons because of a knee problem, but the Canadiens are confident he is on the mend. "There is no problem with his knee and he will continue his rehab," said Gauthier. "If the season started tomorrow he wouldn't be able to play, obviously." Stay tuned for updates.

Montreal Canadiens: Defence biggest question mark as season approaches. Major questions involving the team's defence still remain unanswered. Andrei Markov played in only seven games last season after undergoing major surgery for the second year in a row. The year before: 45. Josh Gorges was one of only two players who didn't miss a game in 2009-10, but was sidelined for the last 46 last season. He, too, required major surgery. No team can afford to lose high-quality defencemen without paying a price for their absence, you have to wonder whether both can remain healthy and find their games again.

Andrei Markov has agreed to terms on a three-year contract worth $17.25 million with the Montreal Canadiens. He has skated in 52 games over the past two seasons and is coming off his second major knee reconstruction. Markov can contribute offense from the blueline, but his health could come into question again in 2011-12.