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Markov signs with Moscow Dynamo Veteran defenceman gives up on NHL, for now Danny Markov's National Hockey League career may not be over, but it's definitely on hold. The 31-year-old unrestricted free agent defenceman signed Friday to play with Moscow Dynamo of the Russian elite league after being unable to find a deal in the NHL. Jay Grossman, Markov's agent, did not confirm the financial details but it is believed to be around $4-million over two years and to contain an out clause that would allow the player to return to North America next summer. It will take about three weeks for the defender to get in the line-up. Markov was drafted in the 9th round, 223rd overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1995, making his debut in the 1997-1998 season. In four years and 200 games with the Leafs, he scored nine goals and added 36 assists but was a strong plus-24. He followed that with two seasons in Phoenix, split a year between Carolina and Philadelphia, went to Nashville and played 2006-2007 with the Detroit Red Wings.
Overall, Markov has appeared in 538 NHL games, with 29 goals, 118 assists and is a plus-47.
A little note for the webmaster... On the 50th anniversary of the Sputnik launch, isn't it appropriate to update the site dedicated to man once known as Sputnik. Well as you all know, the season has started and Markov has not signed with an NHL team. Well that sucks for a site that tracks a player's progress throughout the season. Maybe Markov wants more money or maybe he refuses to wear those new God-awful looking jerseys. Who knows? All I want is to see Markov with a team soon. So sit back there and enjoy the posting of the latest Markov may sign with (insert team name here) rumors.
BTW, I apologize for the shitty updating of this site. Many factors, including the site's hosting company disappearing without notice, have lead to lack of updates. One day, I promise a layout change because (yeah) how long ago was Markov a Flyer? I know, I'm a lazy one but I prefer to drink beer and watch hockey instead of actually doing something productive.
Devils eyeing Markov? The New Jersey Devils considered free-agent defenseman Danny Markov over the summer and with the eye injury to Colin White may do so again. Markov was one of the top three unrestricted defensemen July 1, and he's still looking for a contract with a contender. Markov, 31, went plus-25 last year, his first season with the Detroit Red Wings, but wanted a raise on his $2.5 million salary. The Wings and Islanders pursued Markov this summer, and the Devils are believed to have inquired about him before opting for Karel Rachunek and Vitaly Vishnevski, both at $1.4 million.
Defenseman out with broken right hand DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings defenseman Danny Markov is expected to be sidelined for three weeks after breaking his right hand Tuesday night in a victory over St. Louis. The 30-year-old Markov, signed as a free agent during the summer, has been a key player for Detroit this season. Paired with Nicklas Lidstrom, Markov has a goal and six assists for seven points and is plus-13 in 25 games. He plays an average of 18 minutes, is one of Detroit's top penalty-killers and has provided a needed physical presence. "Obviously he's played very well for us and has been a good partner for Nicklas Lidstrom," said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. "Obviously a big loss, but we've got other defensemen we think can step up." The Red Wings, who also have defenseman Niklas Kronwall out of the lineup with a sore groin, recalled defenseman Derek Meech from AHL Grand Rapids.
Markov has a history of injuries. In eight full NHL seasons he's played more than 60 games twice.
Markov drawing comparisons to Konstantinov Danny Markov is not one to compare himself to others. He won't say his playing style is similar to former Red Wing Vladimir Konstantinov, although many others believe it is. And if that's the case, Markov is fine with it. A Russian like Konstantinov, Markov would be proud to be linked with the former Wings defenseman. "I enjoyed watching him play," said Markov, 30. It's that nastiness that Konstantinov played with that the Wings were looking for last summer when they signed Markov to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million. Coach Mike Babcock is envisioning playing Markov with either Nicklas Lidstrom or Mathieu Schneider. What Babcock wants out of Markov is simple. "I hope he's hard to play against," Babcock said. "I don't need him to be cute or do anything fancy. Just be hard and great defensively, make a good first pass. "He competes hard and you want competitive people. He and (Greg) Johnson will be good fits for our team." Markov and Johnson played together in Nashville last season. Johnson saw what Markov could provide a team. "He's a real hard-nosed player, the type of player you hate to play against but love to be your teammate," Johnson said. "He does all the little things. Block shots, kill penalties, go against an opposing team's top line."
Johnson, who was with the Wings before they won the Cup in 1997, agrees with the Konstantinov comparisons.
"He has that kind of aggressiveness and plays with the reckless abandon," Johnson said. "He's a physical guy who is hard to play against."
Markov is playing for his fifth team (Phoenix, Philadelphia, Carolina, Nashville and Detroit) in the last four seasons, not counting the lockout.
He is hoping to call Detroit home for a long time.
"I'm tired of packing and unpacking stuff," Markov said. "But it's life and there's nothing you can do about it. Just look forward and be positive.
"I've always wanted to play in Detroit. We have a good team here and good guys."
Red Wings ink Markov for one year DETROIT -- Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland today announced the team has signed defenseman Danny Markov to a one-year contract. In keeping with club policy, additional terms of the deal are not available. Markov, 29, spent the 2005-06 season with the Nashville Predators and tallied 11 points (0-11-11) with 62 penalty minutes (PIM) in 58 games. He missed 17 games with a variety of minor injuries (ankle, knee, groin), but was healthy for Nashville's five Stanley Cup Playoff games against San Jose. |