Andrei Markov has long been a proud member of the Canadiens, but until now, the Russian defenceman was not a Canadian citizen.
At a ceremony on Friday morning Markov took his oath of citizenship, along with 31 people from a dozen countries.
Markov has played his entire ten-year career with the Habs, and while he has not won the top prize in the NHL, the judge told the 31-year-old player that with his citizenship card "you have won the Stanley Cup."
Members of the Canadiens management team flanked Markov as he posed for pictures after the ceremony.
While some new Canadians gushed with emotion as they became citizens, Markov was his usual reticent self.
"I'm happy to be here and I'm proud to be Canadian," said Markov.
But what happens if the now dual-citizen is asked to play for a national team? "I'm going to still be Russian, sorry."
Markov said he loves Montreal, and he should spend time learning French, but "first I have to learn English better than right now."
After the ceremony Markov spent a few minutes signing autographs for his new fellow citizens, along with immigration staff, before heading off to get a Canadian passport.
