Subban 'can't envision' Canadiens without Markov

Longtime Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov announced he's going home to play in the KHL next season after failing to agree to terms on a new contract with the club, and former teammate P.K. Subban can't believe it.

"I can't really envision the Montreal Canadiens without Andrei Markov on the blue line. That's No. 1," Subban told Arpon Basu of NHL.com. "Even before I played for the team, I watched him play for the team and be their best defenseman. Even while I was there, I still thought he was our best defenseman, even though a lot of people thought because of what I got paid it was me. You can't really put a price tag on how he plays because he's so smart, the way he sees the ice.

"Anyone who's played with him knows how good he is."

Subban first joined the Canadiens in 2010, quickly endearing himself to local fans during a 14-game playoff stint where he first showed his electrifying abilities.

Markov, meanwhile, had anchored the Habs' blue line since 2000-01, and served as a mentor to Subban. On top of quarterbacking the top power-play unit together, the duo seemed to develop a close friendship over the years.

Related: Subban pens touching message to Markov from Russian's wedding

The 38-year-old Markov ends his Canadiens career as the second-highest scoring defenseman in club history, racking up 572 points in 990 games.

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