Here’s an excerpt from a CBSsports.com article by Wes Goldstein who makes his top 50 NHL player before the 2008-09 season. His list includes Alex Kovalev and Andrei Markov as you can read below:

32. Alexei Kovalev, RW: He’s always been a player who could stickhandle in a phone booth but Kovalev has evolved into a leader and helped return the Canadiens to the brink of greatness.

40. Andrei Markov, D: He’s the most talented member of the Canadiens defense as well as its anchor, while putting up offensive numbers that aren’t too shabby.