History of Evgeni Malkin in Timeline

Evgeni Malkin, nicknamed "Geno", is a Russian professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL. He began his career with Metallurg Magnitogorsk before being drafted second overall by the Penguins in 2004. After a transfer dispute, he joined the NHL in 2006. Malkin is considered one of the greatest NHL players of the modern era and a key component of the Penguins' success.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1917: NHL Record

In 2006, Evgeni Malkin set a modern NHL record when he scored a goal in each of his first six games. No player had achieved this feat since the NHL's inaugural 1917–18 season.

1985: Calder Memorial Trophy

In 2006, Evgeni Malkin finished his rookie season with 33 goals, 52 assists and 85 points in 78 games played, leading all first-year players and capturing the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, the second Penguin to win the award after Mario Lemieux in 1985.

July 1986: Evgeni Malkin born

Evgeni Malkin was born on 31 July 1986, in Magnitogorsk to Vladimir and Natalia Malkin.

Others born on this day/year

1992: First to lead both regular season and playoffs since Mario Lemieux

In 2009, Malkin tallied 36 points to become the first player to lead both the regular season and playoffs in scoring since Mario Lemieux accomplished the feat in 1992.

1993: Highest Playoff Total since Wayne Gretzky

In 2009, Malkin tallied 36 points to become the first player to lead both the regular season and playoffs in scoring since Mario Lemieux accomplished the feat in 1992. His 36 points were the highest playoff total of any player since Wayne Gretzky amassed 40 points in 1993.

1999: Largest Margin of Victory Since 1999

In 2012, Evgeni Malkin's 12-point lead was the largest margin of victory since 1999.

2003: Malkin's first international appearance with Russia

In 2003, Evgeni Malkin made his first international appearance with Russia at the IIHF World U18 Championships in Yaroslavl, contributing to a bronze medal victory with nine points in six games.

2003: International Debut for Russia

In 2003, Evgeni Malkin made his international debut for Russia during the U-18 World Championships.

2004: Malkin debuts at the under-20 level with Russia

In 2004, Evgeni Malkin debuted at the under-20 level with Russia at the World Junior Championships, scoring five points in six games, but the team did not reach the podium.

2004: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2004, Evgeni Malkin was drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft.

2004: Malkin named Russia's U18 captain

In 2004, Evgeni Malkin was named captain of Russia's U18 team for the IIHF World U18 Championships, leading the team to a gold medal in the tournament and contributing eight points.

2005: Malkin wins silver medal at World Junior Championships

In 2005, Evgeni Malkin finished second in team scoring at the World Junior Championships, contributing to Russia's silver medal victory, where they lost to Canada in the gold medal game. He also debuted with the Russian men's team at the World Championships.

August 2006: Contract Dispute and Departure from Russia

In August 2006, Evgeni Malkin faced contract issues with Metallurg Magnitogorsk but ultimately left the team's training camp in Helsinki to pursue a career in the NHL.

September 2006: Shoulder Dislocation

In September 2006, Evgeni Malkin dislocated his shoulder in a pre-season game, delaying the start of his NHL season.

September 2006: Signed with the Penguins

On 5 September 2006, Evgeni Malkin signed an entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins after invoking a law to cancel his contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

October 2006: Antitrust Lawsuit Filed

In October 2006, following his first NHL game, Evgeni Malkin's former Russian hockey club filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NHL and the Penguins.

November 2006: Injunction Denied

On 15 November 2006, the motion for an injunction against Evgeni Malkin was denied, allowing him to continue playing in the NHL.

2006: Malkin opens VIP Zone restaurant

In 2006, Evgeni Malkin opened a restaurant called VIP Zone in Magnitogorsk. The restaurant's design was intended to resemble the inside of a prison.

2006: Malkin Competes in Multiple International Tournaments

In 2006, Evgeni Malkin represented Russia in three major international competitions: the World Junior Championships, where he was named top forward and MVP, the Winter Olympics in Turin, where the team finished fourth, and the World Championship, where he led Russia in scoring.

2006: Tournament MVP in World Junior Championships

In 2006, Evgeni Malkin was named tournament MVP in the IIHF World Junior Championships.

2006: Delayed NHL Debut

In 2006, an international transfer dispute delayed the start of Evgeni Malkin's NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2006: Penguins missed the playoffs

Since 2006, the Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time in the 2022-23 season.

February 2007: Lawsuit Dismissed

In February 2007, the antitrust lawsuit against Evgeni Malkin was ultimately dismissed by the District Court.

May 2007: Signed deal that would have kept him in Russia until May 2007

On 7 August 2006, it appeared the 20-year-old Evgeni Malkin had come to a compromise with Metallurg and signed a deal that would have kept him in Russia until May 2007.

2007: Sophomore Season

Halfway into the 2007-08 season, his sophomore season in the NHL, Malkin recorded his first NHL hat-trick, against the Toronto Maple Leafs, on 3 January 2008.

2007: Malkin plays at the World Championships

In 2007, following his NHL rookie season, Evgeni Malkin played for Russia at the World Championships, achieving a personal best of ten points in the tournament. He played on the first line with Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Frolov, and captured his second World Championships bronze medal.

January 2008: First NHL Hat-Trick

In January 2008, Evgeni Malkin recorded his first NHL hat-trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He earned another three-goal performance on 14 January against the New York Rangers.

July 2008: Contract Extension

On 2 July 2008, Evgeni Malkin signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

October 2008: 200th NHL Point

On 18 October 2008, Evgeni Malkin scored his 200th NHL point with an assist to Sidney Crosby.

2008: Stanley Cup Final and Hart Trophy Nomination

In 2008, Evgeni Malkin helped lead Pittsburgh to the Stanley Cup Final and was a runner-up for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's most valuable player during the regular season.

June 2009: Stanley Cup Victory and Conn Smythe Trophy

On 12 June 2009, the Penguins won the Stanley Cup, and Evgeni Malkin received the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

October 2009: Strained Shoulder Injury

On 28 October 2009, Evgeni Malkin suffered a strained shoulder in a game against the Montreal Canadiens, causing him to miss several games.

2009: Malkin Confirms VIP Zone Lease to New Owners

In 2009, Evgeni Malkin confirmed that VIP Zone had been leased to new owners who renovated and updated it.

2009: Penguins won Stanley Cup

In 2016, the Penguins clinched the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2009.

March 2010: Bruised Foot Injury

On 21 March 2010, Evgeni Malkin suffered a bruised foot during a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, sidelining him for seven more games.

2010: Malkin at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and IIHF World Championship

In 2010, Evgeni Malkin participated in the Vancouver Olympic Games, leading the tournament in points-per-game average but Russia lost to Canada in the quarter-finals. He also played in the IIHF World Championship, securing a spot on the All-star team and winning a silver medal.

2010: Vancouver Winter Olympics

In 2010, Evgeni Malkin played for Russia in the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

2010: Season Performance

Malkin played 67 games in the 2009–10 season and recorded 28 goals, 49 assists and 77 points.

February 2011: Knee Injury

On 4 February 2011, Evgeni Malkin suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee after a collision with Tyler Myers, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

June 2012: Quote from Steven Stamkos on Malkin

In June 2012, Steven Stamkos made a statement about Evgeni Malkin. (The content of the quote is not provided).

2012: Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award

In 2012, Evgeni Malkin was awarded the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award, awarded to the best player as voted on by the players, after winning the Art Ross Trophy for the second time.

2012: Malkin wins gold at the 2012 IIHF World Championship

In 2012, Evgeni Malkin was named MVP, best forward, and to the All-Star team at the IIHF World Championship, scoring 11 goals and 8 assists. He led the scoring league with 19 points, setting a new record for Russian players and securing a gold medal for Russia.

2012: MVP in IIHF World Championships

In 2012, Evgeni Malkin was named the tournament MVP for the IIHF World Championship event.

January 2013: Lockout ends, Malkin returns from KHL

In January 2013, the NHL lockout ended, and Evgeni Malkin returned from playing for Magnitogorsk in the KHL. At the time, he was second in KHL scoring with 65 points in 37 games.

February 2013: Concussion

On February 22, 2013, Evgeni Malkin suffered a concussion in a game against the Florida Panthers after a hit by Erik Gudbranson.

October 2014: Recorded 400th career assist

On October 30, 2014, Evgeni Malkin recorded his 400th career assist on a Chris Kunitz goal in a 3–0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

2014: Sochi Winter Olympics

In 2014, Evgeni Malkin played for Russia in the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.

2014: Malkin at the 2014 Russian Olympic Ice Hockey Team

In 2014, Evgeni Malkin played in all five games for Russia at the Russian Olympic Ice Hockey Team, where they finished fifth after losing to Finland in the quarter-finals. Malkin contributed one goal and two assists.

April 2015: Played 100th career playoff game

On April 22, 2015, Evgeni Malkin played his 100th career playoff game against the New York Rangers.

November 2015: Malkin engaged to Anna Kasterova

In November 2015, Evgeni Malkin became engaged to Russian television personality Anna Kasterova.

February 2016: Sustained Lower-Body Injury

On February 4, 2016, Evgeni Malkin sustained a lower-body injury in a game against the Ottawa Senators, causing him to miss the next 10 games.

May 2016: Birth of Malkin's son

In May 2016, Evgeni Malkin and Anna Kasterova welcomed the birth of their son.

October 2016: Recorded 300th Career NHL Goal

On October 29, 2016, Evgeni Malkin recorded his 300th career NHL goal in a 5–4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

February 2017: Recorded 500th Career Assist

On February 17, 2017, Evgeni Malkin recorded his 500th career assist on a goal by Ian Cole in a 2–1 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

November 2017: Malkin joins PutinTeam social movement

In November 2017, Evgeni Malkin announced his membership in the PutinTeam social movement, an initiative launched by Alexander Ovechkin to support Vladimir Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election. Malkin expressed his support in anticipation of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the elections.

December 2017: Quote from James Neal on Malkin

In December 2017, James Neal made a statement about Evgeni Malkin. (The content of the quote is not provided).

April 2018: Recorded 100th career playoff assist

On April 15, 2018, in game three of the opening round of the 2018 playoffs, Evgeni Malkin recorded his 100th career playoff assist on a Justin Schultz goal in a 5–1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

January 2019: Suffered suspected hand injury

On January 30, 2019, Evgeni Malkin suffered a suspected hand injury in a 4–2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2019: Malkin in the 2019 IIHF World Championship

In 2019, Evgeni Malkin participated in the IIHF World Championship, contributing an assist on Russia's game-winning goal against Team USA. Russia lost their semifinal game and won the bronze medal.

2020: Named to IIHF All-Time Russia Team

In 2020, Evgeni Malkin was named to the IIHF All-Time Russia Team.

2020: Malkin Named to IIHF All-Time Russian National Team

In 2020, Evgeni Malkin was selected for the IIHF All-Time Russian National Team, an honor bestowed in recognition of the 100-year anniversary of the IIHF World Championships, placing him among Russian and Soviet hockey legends.

March 2021: Suffered minor knee injury

On March 16, 2021, Evgeni Malkin suffered a minor knee injury in a 2–1 loss over the Boston Bruins after colliding with Jarred Tinordi.

January 2022: Season Debut after Knee Surgery

On January 11, 2022, Evgeni Malkin made his season debut after undergoing knee surgery, recording two goals and an assist in a 4–1 win against the Anaheim Ducks.

July 2022: Signed contract extension with the Penguins

On July 12, 2022, Evgeni Malkin signed a four-year, $24.4 million contract extension to stay with the Penguins.

October 2024: Milestones achieved in October

In October 2024, Evgeni Malkin achieved several milestones, including recording his 800th career assist, his 1,300th NHL point, and his 500th career goal on October 16th against Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres.

March 6, 2026: Malkin Suspended for Slashing

On March 6, 2026, Evgeni Malkin was suspended for five games for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. The incident occurred during a game the previous day where Malkin received two penalties and a game misconduct, leading to his ejection from the game.

May 26, 2026: Malkin signs contract extension with Penguins

On May 26, 2026, Evgeni Malkin signed a 1-year, $5.5 million contract extension with the Penguins, ensuring he would remain with the team through the 2026–27 NHL season.