Andrei Markov Update?

Andrei Markov at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Int'l Airport - All rights reserved - (Please credit website if using picture)

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  I guess that can be accurate if you really want to dissect the intricacies of what we're seeing here.  This picture, taken 2 days ago at Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, shows Andrei Markov waiting to board a flight to Miami.

A few things come to mind: where is he going, is there any visible swelling, why is he lifting his leg (added comfort or due to discomfort)?

Dr. James Andrews

So where is Andrei Markov headed?  Most logical answer would be to see his surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Alabama.  A quick search on Expedia shows Miami as a possible transit en route to Birmingham.  If that's the case, the next question becomes is he going there for a regular check-up, to get cleared for the next stage in his rehab or is it due to yet another setback?  We'll have to wait to find out.

The most worrying aspect of the photo, in my opinion, (other than the choice of footwear) has to be the fact that Andrei has his leg elevated.  As much as I don't want to speculate, I can't help but wonder if that elevated position is due to a lingering issue in his knee.  However, as mentioned above, it could just be a more relaxed position.  So take a look at the picture for yourselves and draw your own conclusions.

Hopefully, this subject will be moot in a couple of weeks with Andrei back on the ice and skating with the team.


***Update (11OCT11 @ 8:35pm) As per Arpon Basu, Dr. Andrews does have a clinic in Florida as well, so another option may be that Markov may be going directly to that facility.  Either way, let's hope he gets some good news***

***Update (12OCT11 @ 12:25pm) Coach Jacques Martin has confirmed that Andrei Markov is in fact in Florida to meet with Dr. Andrews.  Martin also added that this was an appointment which had been scheduled previously and was not an emergency-type appointment.***