Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Evgeni Malkin

Discover the career path of Evgeni Malkin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Evgeni Malkin, nicknamed "Geno", is a Russian professional ice hockey player, serving as a centre and alternate captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. He initiated his hockey career with Metallurg Magnitogorsk before being drafted second overall by the Penguins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. A transfer dispute postponed his NHL debut until 2006.

Sections (5)

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

1999: Largest Margin of Victory Since 1999

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

2003: Russian Superleague Debut

In 2003, Evgeni Malkin made his Russian Superleague debut at 17 years old and also played for Russia during the U-18 World Championships with Alexander Ovechkin.

2003: 2003 IIHF World U18 Championships

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

2004: 2004 World Junior Championships

In 2004, Evgeni Malkin debuted at the under-20 level with Russia at the World Junior Championships, contributing five points in six games.

2004: Drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins

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

2005: 2005 World Junior Championships and World Championships

In 2005, Evgeni Malkin finished second in team scoring at the World Junior Championships with ten points, helping Russia win the silver medal. Later in 2005, Malkin debuted with the Russian men's team at the World Championships, contributing four assists to help Russia win a bronze medal in Vienna.

August 2006: Malkin Leaves Metallurg Training Camp

In August 2006, Evgeni Malkin left Metallurg Magnitogorsk's training camp in Helsinki to pursue his career in the NHL, claiming psychological pressure from his former club. He then met with his agent, J.P. Barry, and waited for his visa clearance from the U.S. Embassy.

September 2006: Shoulder Dislocation Delays NHL Debut

In September 2006, during his first pre-season game with the Penguins, Evgeni Malkin dislocated his shoulder in a collision with John LeClair, delaying his NHL debut.

September 2006: Signs with the Penguins

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

October 2006: NHL Debut and Goal-Scoring Streak

On October 18, 2006, Evgeni Malkin made his NHL debut against the New Jersey Devils, scoring his first goal against Martin Brodeur. He then set a modern NHL record by scoring in each of his first six games.

2006: 2006 International Competitions

In 2006, Evgeni Malkin competed in the World Junior Championships, where he was named the top forward and MVP, captaining Russia to a silver medal. He also played in the Winter Olympics in Turin, helping the team to a fourth-place finish. In the 2006 World Championship, he led Russia in team scoring with nine points.

2006: Malkin Joins the Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2006, after a transfer dispute, Evgeni Malkin began his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

May 2007: Signed deal to stay in Russia until May 2007

In August 2006, Evgeni Malkin signed a deal that would have kept him in Russia until May 2007 due to immense "psychological pressure" from his former club, Metallurg. This deal was later cancelled so Malkin could pursue his career in the NHL.

2007: Malkin's Sophomore Season

Beginning in 2007, Malkin went on to lead the Penguins when Sidney Crosby was out with an ankle injury. He completed the season second in NHL scoring and earned a Hart Memorial Trophy nomination.

2007: 2007 World Championships

In 2007, following his NHL rookie campaign, Evgeni Malkin played for Russia at the World Championships, achieving a personal best of ten points and capturing his second bronze medal.

January 2008: First NHL Hat-Trick

In January 2008, Evgeni Malkin recorded his first NHL hat-trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs and had another three-goal performance against the New York Rangers a few games later.

July 2008: Signs Contract Extension with Penguins

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

October 2008: 200th NHL Point

On October 18, 2008, Evgeni Malkin scored his 200th NHL point, assisting Sidney Crosby who scored his 100th career goal.

2008: Stanley Cup Finals and Hart Memorial Trophy nomination

In 2008, Evgeni Malkin helped lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals and was a runner-up for the Hart Memorial Trophy.

June 2009: Penguins Win Stanley Cup

On June 12, 2009, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup, with Evgeni Malkin receiving the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He became the first Russian-born and Asian-born player to win the award.

2009: Penguins 2009 Stanley Cup run

In 2009, The Penguins 2009 Stanley Cup run marked the first time since Evgeni Malkin would clinch a third round appearance.

2010: Played for Russia in the Winter Olympics

In 2010, Evgeni Malkin played for Russia in the Winter Olympics held in Vancouver.

2010: 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and IIHF World Championship

In 2010, Evgeni Malkin played in the Vancouver Olympic Games, leading all players in points-per-game average and leading Team Russia in points. He then joined the Russian team for the IIHF World Championship, securing a place in the tournament's All-star team and capturing his first World Championships silver medal.

2011: Malkin's Bounce-Back Season Begins

In 2011, Sidney Crosby's post-concussion syndrome allowed Malkin to lead the Penguins. Despite missing seven games due to lingering knee surgery effects, Malkin scored 50 goals for the first time and would win his second scoring title.

2012: Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award

In 2012, Evgeni Malkin was awarded the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award after winning the Art Ross Trophy for the second time.

2012: 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 making 8 assists for a total of 19 points, leading the scoring league. Russia won the gold medal.

January 2013: Malkin plays in KHL during NHL Lockout

In January 2013, with the NHL season delayed due to the lockout, Evgeni Malkin played for Magnitogorsk in the KHL. By the time the lockout ended in early January 2013, Malkin was second in KHL scoring with 23 goals and 42 assists for 65 points.

October 2014: Malkin records 400th assist

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

2014: 2014 Russian Olympic Ice Hockey Team

In 2014, Evgeni Malkin played all five games for Russia in the Russian Olympic Ice Hockey Team, finishing with one goal and two assists, as they finished fifth in the tournament.

2014: Played for Russia in the Winter Olympics in Sochi

In 2014, Evgeni Malkin played for Russia in the Winter Olympics held in Sochi.

April 2015: Malkin's 100th Playoff Game

On April 22, 2015, Evgeni Malkin played his 100th career playoff game in the fourth game of the first round of the 2015 playoffs against the New York Rangers.

October 2016: Malkin scores 300th career NHL goal

On October 29, 2016, Evgeni Malkin scored his 300th career NHL goal in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

February 2017: Malkin records 500th career assist

On February 17, 2017, Evgeni Malkin recorded his 500th career assist on a goal by Ian Cole in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

2017: Malkin's Healthy and Productive Season

Evgeni Malkin enjoyed a healthy and productive 2017-18 season, finishing with 98 points in 78 games.

April 2018: Malkin records 100th career playoff assist

On April 15, 2018, Evgeni Malkin recorded his 100th career playoff assist on a Justin Schultz goal during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

2018: Malkin finishes the 2018-19 season

Evgeni Malkin finished the 2018-19 season with 21 goals and 51 assists for 72 points in 68 games as the Penguins finished as the fifth seed in the East.

2019: 2019 IIHF World Championship

In 2019, Evgeni Malkin played in the IIHF World Championship, recording the primary assist on Russia's game-winning goal against Team USA. Russia would settle for a bronze medal.

2020: Malkin during 2020-21 season

During the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, Evgeni Malkin had eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points in 33 games.

January 2022: Malkin makes season debut after knee surgery

In January 2022, after undergoing knee surgery in the 2021 off-season, Evgeni Malkin made his season debut on January 11, 2022, recording two goals and an assist in a game against the Anaheim Ducks.

July 2022: Malkin signs four-year contract extension

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

2023: 2023-24 Season Performance

In 2023, Evgeni Malkin played all 82 games, recording 27 goals, 40 assists, and 67 points, but the Penguins missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

October 2024: Milestones in October 2024

In October 2024, Evgeni Malkin achieved several milestones. On October 10, 2024, he recorded his 800th career assist. Two days later, he recorded his 1,300th NHL point. On October 16, Malkin scored his 500th career goal. He ended the season with 16 goals and 34 assists for 50 points in 68 games as the Penguins missed the playoffs once more.