Andrei Markov headed back to Russia after 16 years with the Habs

After 16 years in Montreal and months of speculation, Andrei Markovis returning to Russia.

The longtimeHabs defencemanwill not returnto the Montreal Canadiens, the team announced Thursday.

"I'm sad," he said. "I'm sad to leave, but it's life."

In a conference call following the team's announcement, Markov said he was ready to stay with the Canadiens on a one-year deal,but that "it didn't work."

"Each and every day, I realized how lucky I was to wear a Habs jersey," he said. "Now it's time to move on."

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Markov's departurepunctuates a tumultuous off-season for the team, with fan favourite Alexander Radulovjumping to Dallas and top prospectMikhail Sergachevshipped out for scorer Jonathan Douin.

Nathan Beaulieau and Alexei Emelinare also gone, meaning three of theteam's six regular defencemen last year won't be back.

'Canadiensicon'

The 38-year-old Russian defenceman said that while he's open to returning to the NHL one day, his decision to head back home has a lot to do with family.

He said hecouldn't see himself donning another NHLteam's colours.

"What I'm going to miss most iswhen you step on the ice, the crowd," he said.

Markov wasdrafted by the team in 1998, 162nd overall.He made his NHLdebut two years later, going on to play 990 games with the CHon his chest, twice being selected for the all-star team.

Markov, nicknamed "the General" by Montreal media for his skills quarter-backing the power play, is second behind only Larry Robinson in number of games played and points scored by aCanadiensdefenceman.

Robinson played1,202 games with the team, netting 197 goals and assisting on 686 others, whileMarkovplayed 990 games, with 119 goals and 453 assists.

He has as many points as that other legendary Habsdefenceman,Guy Lapointe, and more than Doug Harvey and Serge Savard all of whom have had their jersey numbers retired by the team.

The NHL's website refers to Markov as "a Montreal Canadiens icon."

Was interested in staying

Markov became an unrestricted free agent July 1, marking the first time he wastestingthe open market. His last contract was a three-year deal signed in 2014.

After theCanadienswere bounced from the playoffs in April,Markovsaid he wanted to stay in Montreal.

"I've always been here and most probably I'd like to finish my career here, so we'll see what's going to happen in thesummer," he told reporters at the time.

Not a particularly gregarious guy, he became known as a steadfast presence on theHabs' blue-line before sustaining serious injuries to his ankle andknee in 2009 and 2010 that cast doubt on his longevity.

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However, in recent years he put questions about his durability to rest with three consecutive 80-plusgame seasons.

In 2010, he became a Canadian citizen.

"I'm happy to be here and proud to be Canadian," the soft-spoken star said after he was sworn in.

On Tuesday, the team announced it had signed veteran defenceman, and former Hab,Mark Streit to a one-year deal, which many took asa sign Markovwould not return.

High praise from Geoff Molson

In a statement, team owner Geoff Molsonthanked Markovfor his contribution to the team, calling him "one of the best defencemen in franchise history.

"A respected figure around the league and among his teammates, Andrei demonstrated leadership both on and off the ice," he said.

"Andrei's commitment to our franchise was second to none, proven by his overcoming three serious and potentially career-ending injuries. I would like to wish Andrei the best of luck in the next step of his career, and happiness with his family."