Markov Marked for Rovers

Defenseman Danny Markov (file photo) doing what he does best, crushing an opposing forward into the glass.

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

As first broken two days ago on Rover Report, Danny Markov is joining the Baffin Island Rovers for their playoff run. Acquired from the Waterloo Roadkill along with a draft pick, the Rovers send veteran Cale Hulse, prospect Jeff Tambellini, and cash considerations to Waterloo in exchange. "We're really pleased to get Danny", Stringer said at the news conference. "We've actually been after Danny going back to last season. Waterloo was in a fight for promotion at that time and wouldn't part with him. They succeeded in gaining promotion, and we continued to talk about him, but with their strong start they still resisted. But when they recently announced publicly that they'd listen to offers for some players, we jumped again and it came together quickly".

Markov led the Roadkill in ice-time this season, playing over 25 minutes a game while playing in all 36 Waterloo games. Not particularly known for his offense, he has notched four goals and seven assists for eleven points, second amongst Roadkill defensemen to PP specialist Bryan Berard. But what Markov excels at is the physical aspect of the game. His open-ice hits and board play are excellent, which is what the Rovers were looking for. His 46 PIM lead the Roadkill as did his 21 blocked shots, and he was second on the club with 90 hits (which now ranks second on the Rovers behind only Chris Pronger). "I like to hit people", a sheepish Markov said when asked what part of the game he likes best. "I'm no Paul Coffey or someone like that.. I just play defense".

"Cale was tremendous for us; his +/- was among the team leaders, but when Markov became available we felt it was a big upgrade at a reasonable cost for the future. We think Jeff will be an excellent RHLer in the future, but fortunately our scouting staff has stocked our farm with enough quality prospects that we could afford to make the deal. Markov will be able to kill penalties for us and gives us another guy that can play top four minutes should an injury occur now or in the playoffs".

The Rovers have another day off today so Markov will get his first Rovers practice in and allow the coaching staff to assemble new lines for tomorrow's game against, of all teams, the Waterloo Roadkill. "Yes, it will be strange to play those guys so soon after being traded", Markov said of the timing. "I just hope they're ready, and they keep their heads up".