Among the greats

MONTREAL – Much like fine wine, some things just get better and better with age. That’s certainly been the case with Andrei Markov.

At 36 years old, the Russian defenseman will begin the second year of a three-year contract in 2015-16, which will also mark his 15th season in the NHL ranks, all spent with the Canadiens. Needless to say, he’d like the upcoming campaign to be as memorable as the last.

On November 2, 2014, the veteran rearguard joined Doug Harvey in third place among the Canadiens' all-time point leaders on defense, before surpassing the Hall-of-Famer three days later by picking up an assist against the Buffalo Sabres. It’s improbable that Markov will take over second spot on the…