Challenges Faced by Evgeni Malkin: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Evgeni Malkin's life and career.

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

Sections (5)

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

August 2006: Compromise with Metallurg

In August 2006, Evgeni Malkin appeared to compromise with Metallurg and sign a deal that would have kept him in Russia until May 2007. However, he later stated he signed it due to "psychological pressure".

September 2006: Shoulder Dislocation

During his first pre-season game with the Penguins in September 2006, Evgeni Malkin collided with John LeClair and dislocated his own shoulder.

October 2006: Lawsuit Filed Against NHL and Penguins

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

2006: Malkin's NHL Debut Delayed

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

2006: Missed playoffs

The Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time since 2006, which was also the first time in Evgeni Malkin's career that he missed the playoffs.

May 2007: Potential End Date of Metallurg contract

October 2009: Strained Shoulder

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

March 2010: Bruised Foot

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

February 2011: Malkin suffers knee injury

In February 2011, Evgeni Malkin suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee after a collision with Tyler Myers. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the 2010-11 season and playoffs, with an estimated recovery period of six months. Despite Malkin's apology via text message to the general manager, he was assured he had nothing to apologize for.

February 2013: Concussion injury

On February 22, 2013, Evgeni Malkin suffered a concussion in a game against the Florida Panthers, limiting his NHL season to 31 games.

December 2013: Lower body injury

In December 2013, Evgeni Malkin missed two games with a lower body injury against the San Jose Sharks and nine games with another lower-body injury against the Detroit Red Wings.

March 2014: Foot injury

In March 2014, Evgeni Malkin was held out of 11 games due to a foot injury against the Phoenix Coyotes.

2015: Injury-depleted campaign

Evgeni Malkin had an injury-depleted 2015-16 campaign.

February 2016: Lower-body injury

In February 2016, Evgeni Malkin sustained an undisclosed lower-body injury, resulting in him missing the next 10 games.

January 2019: Suspected hand injury

In January 2019, Evgeni Malkin suffered a suspected hand injury in a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning after he was hit by Daniel Girardi.

March 2021: Minor knee injury

In March 2021, Evgeni Malkin suffered a minor knee injury, resulting in him missing the next 23 games.

2021: Knee surgery in off-season

Evgeni Malkin underwent knee surgery in the 2021 off-season, resulting in him missing the first 32 games of the 2021-22 season.

2023: Penguins miss playoffs

In 2023, Evgeni Malkin recorded 27 goals, 40 assists, and 67 points in 82 games. The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.