The Montreal Canadiens completely revamped their defence in the summer of 2017. Basically anyone who shot left and played defence was sent packing. One of those casualties was long-time Canadiens blue liner Andrei Markov.
Also moving on from the organization at that time were Alexei Emelin, Nathan Beaulieu and top prospect Mikhail Sergachev. Newcomers Karl Alzner, Jordie Benn and David Schlemko were supposed to fill that gap.
They had big shoes to fill as Markov was one of the best defenders the Canadiens have ever had. He began his NHL career in 2000 with the Habs and played all of his 990 career NHL games in Montreal.