Andrei Markov is healthy and ready to be a vital part of the Canadiens' defense this season. Markov has played in only 20 games the past two years. He's had two knee reconstructions and, most recently, two cracked ribs in the KHL in October. But as the Montreal Gazette's Dave Stubbs says, he's "heathier and fitter than he's been in as long as anyone can remember." And the defenseman thinks the games in Russia were beneficial, too. "The games I played in Russia were huge, especially because I didn't play many the last two years," Markov said. "Playing in Russia gave me confidence in myself. I feel good and I'm ready to go."