The Montreal Canadiens hit the links Monday to mark the unofficial opening of the 2017-18 season.
Habs captain Max Pacioretty, as well as right-winger Brendan Gallagher, centreman Alex Galchenyuk and star goalie Carey Price were all in attendance for the charity golf tournament.
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One noticeable absence was longtime defenceman Andrei Markov, who decided not to return to the Habs in favour of playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia.
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Before severing ties with the team, Markov had said he told the organization he wanted to stay with the Habs until the end of his career and he’s not ready to retire anytime soon.
Gallagher explained Markov’s veteran skates will be tough to fill.
“What Marky did for this team, this organization over the years – not a lot of people can say they played that many games in Habs uniform,” he said.
“But going forward, I think it’s an opportunity, a role, for other guys to step in and fill that void.”
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On the other hand, it was Quebec native Jonathan Drouin’s first time taking to the green with the Habs.
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Drouin joined the team in June following a trade and quickly signed a six-year contract.
He said Monday it is exciting to be playing in his hometown.
“It’s definitely special to be here,” he said. “It’s still surreal to me.”
After some speculation, General Manager, Marc Bergevin confirmed what position the youngster will play this season.
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The Habs officially begin training camp on Thursday and their first pre-season game will be against the Boston Bruins next Monday.