BY LOUIS JEAN
sportsnet.ca

Jaroslav Halak has spent the better part of his four seasons with the Montreal Canadiens trying to establish himself as a No. 1 netminder, now he wants the chance to do it elsewhere.

Montreal general manager Bob Gainey told ruefrontenac.com that Halak requested a trade and talks have taken place with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Gainey was unavailable for comment on Tuesday, and the 24-year-old backstop refused to confirm he wanted out.

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," Halak said. "It's between me and my agent so I'm not going to say yes or no. I have no comment on this."

When pressed further on the issue, Halak admitted he felt that he had paid his dues and deserved a chance to play more. The Slovakian-born goaltender has played second fiddle to Carey Price the last three seasons, and with Price regaining form it was clear that role wasn't about to change.

"I'm a young goalie and I'm happy here. I want to play whether it's here or anywhere else," explained Halak.

MARKOV WATCH

For the first time since suffering a lacerated Achilles' tendon on October 1, defenceman Andrei Markov took part in contact drills; a tell tale sign he is on the verge of returning to the lineup.

"I'm the type of guy, I don't want to sit on the bench or sit in the room and just watch the game. I'd like to play," Markov said. "I miss the game so much so I'm going to come back as soon as I can."

However, there is no timetable for a return and medical clearance is required before he can resume play.

"Once we have some news, you'll be the first to know," Jacques Martin the media gathering. "Right now, it's the same: He's in rehab, he's in a stage where he can practice with the team. He's not fully ready to play yet."

Markov did accompany the Canadiens on its road trip to New Jersey.