Andrei Markov.

BY IAN MENDES
sportsnet.ca

Andrei Markov participated in a full practice with his teammates on Friday, for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury in the second round of the playoffs.

Markov's appearance in a full skate gives hope that the team's top defenceman could return to play at some point during the conference finals, which are scheduled to begin on Sunday.

"Today was a good opportunity for him to experience a full practice. I haven't had a chance to speak with him to see how he feels or what are his limitations," said head coach Jacques Martin on Friday afternoon.

Martin would not give a definitive timetable for Markov's return, but he sounded a lot more optimistic than he has at any point in the past two weeks. Markov has skated with the team over the past week, but only during game-day skates, which are less strenuous than a full practice.

"It's something we're going to look at, but at this point in time, I don't have an answer to that question. He would be day-to-day," he added.

Markov's return would be surprising, since the speculation was he suffered a right knee injury that would keep him out for the remainder of the playoffs - no matter how far the Canadiens advanced. But he appeared fairly comfortable in practice on Friday, which impressed his fellow teammates.

"It's great to see him out there and that he's turning well. He looks great in my opinion," said fellow defenceman PK Subban.

Markov did not speak to reporters on Friday.