Free Agent Report: Andrei Markov

Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens

Age: 35

Birthday: December 20

Expiring contract: Three years, 17.25 million. $5.75 million AAV

What we know: A report from ESPN's Pierre LeBrun at the beginning of April noted there had been talks between Sergei Berezin (Markov's agent) and the Canadiens on the eve of the trade deadline. Things then went quiet until a few days before that report, when Berezin indicated he spoke with Marc Bergevin again.

"I don’t think we’re in any rush to get anything done," Berezin said then. "I have an idea what they’re offering, they know what we want, and I don’t actually think we’re that far apart. I’m hopeful in the end it will work out."

There were several reported extension negotiating sessions during the 2013-14 campaign and virtually any time Markov himself was asked about the situation, he reiterated his desire to stay with the Canadiens and finish his career with the only NHL franchise for whom he's played. The odds seem high that's exactly how this situation will play out, with term being the key issue likely yet to be resolved.

Related: Free Agent Report: Martin Brodeur