Markov never looked like the primary star, but everything went downhill when he wasn't there. He made everyone on his team better, he really was the general on the ice. His actual skills were very good, but he tended to think the game well enough that he didn't need to do much out of the ordinary. Every now and then he'd make an impressive move, or wire a shot when the time was right, and he could have done it more often, but he almost always chose the correct low risk play.
It's really hard to evaluate his ceiling because he was so very effective without having to push or take chances. I'm not sure he was top 5 or even top 10 in the league depending on how you categorize, but he was the one of the best #2 D.
Of course he was very good or very efficient, without the flashy moves. I try to think outside the box and find what his real value among the league. I don't remember he was at the all star game, it was Koivu. I liked Koivu but I think Marky was a better player playing at his position. It's hard to evaluate. Top 5 is maybe too much, between top 5 and top 10 is okay for me.
To return with Rein, he may end up being one of the most efficient D to neutralise a opponent with the timing and the way he moves so quick. And other aspects of the game too, he can be a complete D for any situations except maybe a PP specialist.
edit : if we start a thread with other nhl teams/fans, they will bring their list of best underated D, so Marky will one of others, depending on the year, he was 15th to 20th at worst. He had few years of injury too. The list of habs fans or the list of entire league, ? ...
