Markov turns down captaincy, per TSN; UPDATE Markov denies report

@ASQ> Markov has not been approached by Jacques Martin to be the captain; and Markov is not interested in being the captain, as he maintains he is a low key person who prefers to focus on his tasks on ice.

This was made clear by Martin and Markov today:

L'entraîneur Jacques Martin a à toutes fins utiles confirmé, mardi, que le Canadien va amorcer la saison en ayant un capitaine en poste.

Tout en affirmant qu'on n'avait pas offert le titre au défenseur Andrei Markov, contrairement à ce qu'un quotidien anglophone avançait mardi, Martin a indiqué que les joueurs seront écartés du processus décisionnel.

«Je ne sais pas d'où ça vient, a commenté Martin, mais nous n'avons pas approché Andrei.

Markov a corroboré les propos de Martin, en indiquant qu'on ne l'avait jamais approché. Il a indiqué qu'arborer le «C» sur son chandail ne l'intéresse guère.

«C'est une énorme tâche que celle d'être capitaine du Canadien de Montréal, a-t-il répondu, quand on lui a posé la question. De me retrouver à tous les jours devant vous, les journalistes, serait de nature à m'effrayer. Je préfère faire mes affaires paisiblement en retrait et me concentrer sur mon rendement.»

Jacques Martin, who said he had no idea where this report about Markov and the presumed offer had originated, confirmed that he and management will confer on the issue; and that a captain is expected to be appointed before the season starts.

Full text of the article from Canoe Sports here:
http://www.canoe.com/sports/nouvelles/hockey/canadiens/archives/2009/09/20090915-173252.html

That's all the Habs need, more controversy.

@DTR>
Didn't Kovalev say that Markov was approached and did turn it down? Is it possible that it happened behind closed doors and the team bigwigs didn't want it getting out that he turned them down?
Perhaps they spoke about it and Markov made his position clear, but it wasn't officially offered. I just get the feeling that, if they did ask, officially or not, Markov would probably bring it up if talking to Kovalev.

asq2 wrote:

shabbs wrote:Approaching Markov for the captaincy makes no sense.

No? He's their best player and he's gotta be one of the longest (if not the longest) serving Canadiens on the team.

He can barely speak English and can't speak a lick of French. They need someone who can address the media properly.

Well if Markov loved being the quiet unassuming player that avoids the spotlight he's SOL now.

This season he'll be swarmed by the Montreal media asking him over and over about not being interested in being the Captain and the rumours of his outright refusal.

They are in a real bind to find a captain. Giving it to Price would be a nightmare - he certainly doesn't need any more pressure or attention from the media.

I can't see them starting the season without a captain... the real centennial will be celebrated this year during the season.

Giving it to one of the newest members may be the only real choice. What about Gionta?

I think out of courtesy it had to be extended to him, with the proviso that he would have to take French lessons. That way it is his choice to turn it down.