MONTREAL - Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov will be out of action for at least four months after slicing a tendon in his ankle.

Markov had an operation in a Toronto hospital after Habs goaltender Carey Price caught the Russian with his skate during Montreal's 4-3 overtime victory against the Maple Leafs on Thursday.

His absence is expected to be a major loss for the Canadiens as they try to bounce back from last season's disappointing campaign.

The Canadiens play in Buffalo on Saturday.