When you left the Canadiens in 2017, many were unhappy that you finished just 10 games shy of 1,000. You’d have liked to have reached that milestone, but in the end it wasn’t to be. Do you have any feelings about getting that close?
“You know what? Right now, with all the years I played, I feel that the numbers are just that. Numbers. You have your hockey career but most importantly it’s your family, your kids and your health. Those 10 games are just a number.”
This past summer, Canadiens defense Hall of Famer Serge Savard suggested that defenseman Lane Hutson “is probably the most talented player the Canadiens have had since Guy Lafleur.” You’ve seen Hutson play, what’s your take on him?
“Lane is a skilled player, a good skater with good vision. He’s got a good future. His first season was last year, so now it’s going to be tougher and tougher because opponents know the way he plays. He’ll need to improve himself every day, every game. As long as he does that, he’s got an excellent future. He needs to work hard and listen to what the coach wants from him. It’s all in his hands.”
Your last game on home ice for the Canadiens was more than eight years ago, on April 20, 2017, but you’ll be recognized by fans most everywhere you go during this visit. Does that surprise you?
“Canadiens fans have incredible passion for the game and their team. I’m surprised that any time I come back, people know me and want to shake my hand. The love of the fans is something that is very important to me. I’ll never forget that, and I’ll never forget them.”
Top photo: Top photo: Andrei Markov salutes the crowd after being named first star of the game against the Ottawa Senators at Montreal’s Bell Centre on March 25, 2017.
