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Pacioretty: I never want Markov to retire

Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Andrei Markov is among the legends.

The Montreal Canadiens defenseman picked up point No. 572 in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars, drawing an assist on Artturi Lehkonen's third-period goal.

The helper moved Markov into a tie for second place in all-time scoring by Montreal blue-liners:

Player Games Goals Assists Points
Larry Robinson 1202 197 686 883
Guy Lapointe 777 166 406 572
Andrei Markov 985 119 453 572
Doug Harvey 890 76 371 447
Serge Savard 917 100 312 412

The Canadiens drafted Markov in the sixth round of 1998. He made his NHL debut two seasons later and has spent his entire career with the Montreal organization, becoming one of the best blue-liners in franchise history over that time.

"He's just got such a good mind for the game, the way he does things," Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty told Eric Engels of Sportsnet. "He's just got little techniques; the way he holds his stick in certain situations; the passes he makes. I said to Alex Galchenyuk I never want (Markov) to retire because that's at least 10 goals a year, and the left shots all feel the same."

The 38-year-old Markov is a pending unrestricted free agent, and there is little doubt he'd explore other opportunities this summer, leaving the only team he has ever known.

Thankfully, the captain doesn't have to worry.

"I'm not planning to retire," Markov said. "I'm planning to continue playing, as long as I enjoy playing."

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