Andrei Markov's nickname of "The General" is both a recognition of his tenure with the Habs as well as an endearment of the vital role he has played on the team.
Markov was drafted in the sixth round, 162nd overall, in 1998 by the Canadiens, part of one of their most successful draft years ever with the likes of Francois Beauchemin, Michael Ryder, and Mike Ribeiro also selected. To put Markov's tenure into perspective, in his rookie season with the Canadiens in 2000-01, Michel Therrien was coaching his first games in the NHL, Patrice Brisebois was the highest-scoring defenceman, Saku Koivu was only in his second of nine seasons as team captain, and Brian Savage led the team in goals with 21.