Evgeni Malkin, nicknamed "Geno", is a Russian professional ice hockey center for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Drafted second overall in 2004, he started his career with Metallurg Magnitogorsk before joining the NHL in 2006. Known for his exceptional skills, Malkin has been a key player for the Penguins, contributing significantly to their success.
1917: Matching a Scoring Streak Record
Evgeni Malkin tied an NHL record by scoring a goal in each of his first six games, a feat not achieved since Joe Malone in 1917.
1985: Calder Memorial Trophy Win
Evgeni Malkin won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 1985, becoming the second Penguin to win the award after Mario Lemieux.
July 1986: Early Life and Family Background
Evgeni Malkin was born in July 1986 in Magnitogorsk, Russia. His father worked at the city's steelworks and played hockey, and Malkin began skating at age three.
July 1986: Birth of Evgeni Malkin
Evgeni Malkin was born in Magnitogorsk, Russia, in July 1986.
1999: Largest Margin of Victory Since 1999
In 2012, Evgeni Malkin's 12-point lead in the Art Ross Trophy race was the largest margin of victory since 1999.
2003: Professional Debut and International Debut
Evgeni Malkin made his professional debut with Metallurg Magnitogorsk and his international debut for Russia in the 2003 U-18 World Championships.
2003: Malkin's International Debut with Russia at U18 Championships
Evgeni Malkin marked his entry into the international hockey scene in 2003 by representing Russia at the IIHF World U18 Championships held in Yaroslavl. His performance, contributing nine points across six games, played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal for his team.
2004: Malkin Debuts at Under-20 Level with Russia
Evgeni Malkin expanded his international experience in 2004 by making his debut with Russia's under-20 team at the World Junior Championships. He contributed five points over six games, showcasing his growing talent on a larger stage.
2004: Drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins
Evgeni Malkin was drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
2004: Drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins
In 2004, Evgeni Malkin was drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL Entry Draft.
2004: Malkin Captains Russia to Gold at U18 Championships
In 2004, at the IIHF World U18 Championships, Evgeni Malkin was given the honor of captaining the Russian team. He led by example, showcasing his skills to help Russia clinch the gold medal, marking a significant achievement in his burgeoning career.
2005: Malkin Helps Russia Secure Silver at World Junior Championships
In 2005, Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin joined forces as linemates, leading the Russian team to a silver medal finish at the World Junior Championships. Malkin's notable performance saw him finish second in team scoring, demonstrating his rising prominence in international hockey.
August 2006: Contract Dispute and Departure from Metallurg
In August 2006, Evgeni Malkin left Metallurg Magnitogorsk's training camp in Helsinki to pursue playing in the NHL, despite signing a one-year contract with Metallurg. He cited "psychological pressure" as the reason for his departure.
September 2006: Signing with Pittsburgh Penguins
Evgeni Malkin officially signed an entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins in September 2006 after resolving the contract dispute with Metallurg Magnitogorsk.
September 2006: Shoulder Injury
Evgeni Malkin suffered a dislocated shoulder during a preseason game with the Penguins in September 2006, delaying his NHL debut.
October 2006: Lawsuit by Metallurg Magnitogorsk
Following Malkin's first NHL game with Pittsburgh in October 2006, Metallurg Magnitogorsk filed a lawsuit against the NHL and the Penguins, claiming Malkin was still under contract in Russia.
November 2006: Injunction Denied
The motion for an injunction against Evgeni Malkin playing in the NHL was denied in November 2006, allowing him to continue playing.
2006: Malkin Represents Russia in Multiple Tournaments
Evgeni Malkin showcased his commitment to representing Russia on the international stage in 2006 by participating in three significant tournaments: the World Junior Championships, the Winter Olympics in Turin, and the World Championships. His exceptional performance in the World Junior Championships earned him recognition as the top forward and MVP, guiding Russia to a second consecutive silver medal.
2006: World Junior Championships MVP
Evgeni Malkin was named tournament MVP at the 2006 World Junior Championships.
2006: Penguins Miss Playoffs for the First Time Since 2006
For the 2022-2023 NHL season, Evgeni Malkin achieved a personal milestone by participating in all 82 regular-season games and recording an impressive 83 points, including 27 goals and 56 assists. However, the Penguins experienced a setback as they did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2006, marking the first instance in Malkin's career where his team missed the postseason.
2006: NHL Debut
Evgeni Malkin made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006.
February 2007: Lawsuit Dismissed
The lawsuit filed by Metallurg Magnitogorsk against the NHL and the Penguins was ultimately dismissed in February 2007.
May 2007: Initial Contract with Metallurg
Evgeni Malkin had initially signed a contract to stay with Metallurg until May 2007.
2007: Malkin Helps Russia to Bronze at World Championships
After completing his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Evgeni Malkin continued his international duties by playing for Russia in the 2007 World Championships. He achieved a personal best for the tournament with ten points, contributing significantly to Russia's bronze medal win.
January 2008: First NHL Hat-trick and Rise to the Occasion
In January 2008, during his sophomore season, Evgeni Malkin scored his first NHL hat-trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs and followed up with another three-goal performance against the New York Rangers. When teammate Sidney Crosby was sidelined with an ankle injury, Malkin stepped up, scoring 44 points in 28 games and ultimately placing second in NHL scoring.
July 2008: Five-Year Contract Extension
On July 2, 2008, Evgeni Malkin signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
October 2008: 200th NHL Point and Crosby's Milestone
In October 2008, Malkin achieved his 200th NHL point with an assist to Sidney Crosby, marking Crosby's 100th career goal and 300th career point. They shared a cut puck to commemorate the moment.
2008: First Stanley Cup Finals Appearance
In 2008, Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins reached the Stanley Cup Finals.
June 2009: Stanley Cup Victory and Scoring Championship
In June 2009, Malkin and the Penguins won the Stanley Cup. He led both the regular season and playoffs in scoring, a feat not accomplished since Mario Lemieux in 1992. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, the first Russian-born and Asian-born player to do so.
2010: Defending Stanley Cup Champions and Playoff Run
In the 2010 playoffs, the Penguins, as defending champions, defeated the Ottawa Senators but were upset by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round.
2010: Malkin's Impressive International Performance
In 2010, Evgeni Malkin showcased his skills on the international stage. Representing Russia at the Vancouver Olympic Games, he led all players in points-per-game average. Despite Russia's quarterfinal loss to Canada, Malkin continued his strong performance at the IIHF World Championship, earning a spot on the All-Star team and capturing a silver medal.
February 2011: Season-Ending Knee Injury
In February 2011, shortly after returning from a knee injury and sinus infection, Malkin suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee after a collision with Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers. The injury, involving a torn ACL and MCL, required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
2012: NHL Lockout and Return to Russia
During the 2012-2013 NHL lockout, Malkin played for Magnitogorsk in the KHL, ranking high in league scoring before returning to Pittsburgh when the lockout ended.
2012: Malkin Dominates at the IIHF World Championship
Evgeni Malkin had a standout performance at the 2012 IIHF World Championship. He was named MVP, best forward, and earned a spot on the All-Star team. Malkin led the tournament in scoring with an impressive 19 points, including two hat tricks, and helped Russia secure the gold medal while also setting a new scoring record for Russian players.
2012: Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy Win
Evgeni Malkin won the Hart Trophy and the Art Ross Trophy in 2012.
2012: World Championships MVP and Gold Medal
In 2012, Evgeni Malkin won a gold medal with Russia at the IIHF World Championships and was named tournament MVP.
2012: Comeback Season, Scoring Title, and MVP Honors
In the 2011-2012 season, Malkin had a remarkable comeback, scoring 50 goals for the first time in his career and winning his second scoring title with 109 points. He was awarded the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and the Ted Lindsay Award for most outstanding player.
December 2013: Multiple Lower-Body Injuries Plague Malkin's Season
During December 2013, Evgeni Malkin suffered two separate lower-body injuries. The first occurred on December 5th against the San Jose Sharks, and the second, more serious injury happened on December 14th against the Detroit Red Wings, sidelining him for nine games.
2013: Return to the NHL and Playoff Performance
Malkin's 2013 NHL season was shortened due to a lockout, but he still put up significant points. In the playoffs, he helped the Penguins reach the Eastern Conference finals, where they were swept by the Boston Bruins.
March 2014: Foot Injury Delays Malkin's Season, Strong Finish Despite Injury Struggles
On March 25th, 2014, Evgeni Malkin sustained a foot injury during a game against the Phoenix Coyotes. This injury caused him to miss 11 games. Despite facing these injury setbacks throughout the season, he finished with a commendable 72 points in the 60 games he was healthy.
October 2014: Malkin Achieves 400th Assist
On October 30th, 2014, Evgeni Malkin achieved a significant milestone by recording his 400th assist in a game where the Penguins won 3-0 against the Los Angeles Kings. The assist came on a goal by teammate Chris Kunitz.
2014: Malkin Represents Russia at the Sochi Olympics
As a member of the 2014 Russian Olympic Ice Hockey Team, Evgeni Malkin participated in the Sochi Olympics. Despite recording a goal and two assists, Russia faced a quarterfinal defeat against Finland, ultimately finishing fifth in the tournament.
April 2015: Malkin Plays 100th Career Playoff Game
On April 22nd, 2015, Evgeni Malkin played in his 100th career playoff game. This milestone was reached during the first round of the playoffs against the New York Rangers, who had won the Presidents' Trophy that season.
November 2015: Engagement
Evgeni Malkin became engaged to Russian television personality Anna Kasterova in November 2015.
2015: Injury-Riddled Season for Malkin
During the 2015-2016 season, Evgeni Malkin battled injuries, limiting his participation to 57 games. Despite this, he managed to record 27 goals and 31 assists, totaling 58 points.
May 2016: Birth of First Child
Evgeni Malkin and Anna Kasterova welcomed their first child, a son, in May 2016.
October 2016: Malkin Scores 300th Career NHL Goal
On October 29th, 2016, Evgeni Malkin achieved a significant personal milestone by scoring his 300th NHL goal. This achievement came during a closely contested game against the Philadelphia Flyers, which the Penguins won 5-4.
2016: Malkin Contributes to Penguins' Stanley Cup Victory
In 2016, Evgeni Malkin played a key role in the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup triumph, contributing 18 points in 23 playoff games. This victory marked the franchise's first Stanley Cup win since 2009.
February 2017: Malkin Reaches 500 Career Assists
Evgeni Malkin achieved a remarkable feat in February 2017 by recording his 500th career assist. This assist came on a goal scored by teammate Ian Cole during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 17th.
November 2017: Joins PutinTeam Movement
Evgeni Malkin joined the PutinTeam social movement in November 2017, expressing support for Vladimir Putin in the upcoming Russian presidential election.
2017: Malkin Enjoys Productive Season
Evgeni Malkin had a successful season in 2017-2018, maintaining good health and showcasing impressive performance. He concluded the season with a remarkable 98 points, comprising 42 goals and 56 assists, across 78 games.
April 2018: Malkin Achieves 100th Playoff Assist
On April 15th, 2018, during the first round of the playoffs against their state rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, Evgeni Malkin recorded his 100th career playoff assist. This assist contributed to a goal by Justin Schultz, and the Penguins won the game with a score of 5-1.
2018: Malkin Contributes to Penguins' Playoff Run
In the 2018-2019 season, Evgeni Malkin had a commendable performance, achieving 72 points with 21 goals and 51 assists in 68 games. Despite his efforts, the Penguins secured the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Islanders.
2018: Reasoning for Joining PutinTeam
Malkin explained his support for PutinTeam by citing the 2018 World Cup and Russian elections.
March 2019: Malkin Reaches 1,000th NHL Point
On March 12th, 2019, Evgeni Malkin etched his name in NHL history by becoming the 88th player to reach the impressive milestone of 1,000 career points. This accomplishment came when he assisted on a goal scored by teammate Phil Kessel during a game against the Washington Capitals.
2019: Malkin Contributes to Russia's Bronze Medal Win
In the 2019 IIHF World Championship, Evgeni Malkin played a key role in Russia's journey to a bronze medal. He notably provided the primary assist for Russia's game-winning goal against Team USA in the knockout stage, although they fell short in the semifinal against Finland.
2020: Named to IIHF All-Time Russia Team
Evgeni Malkin was named to the IIHF All-Time Russia Team in 2020.
2020: Malkin Named to IIHF All-Time Russian National Team
In recognition of his remarkable career, Evgeni Malkin was honored as part of the IIHF All-Time Russian National Team in 2020. This prestigious selection, marking the 100-year anniversary of the IIHF World Championships, placed him among legendary Russian and Soviet players.
July 2022: Malkin Signs Contract Extension with Penguins
On July 12, 2022, Evgeni Malkin re-signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, solidifying his commitment to the team. The contract extension spans four years and carries a value of $24.4 million, ensuring Malkin's continued presence on the roster.
2023: Malkin Maintains Consistent Performance, Penguins Miss Playoffs
Despite Evgeni Malkin's consistent efforts throughout the 2023-2024 season, where he recorded 67 points from 27 goals and 40 assists in all 82 games, the Pittsburgh Penguins faced a consecutive year of disappointment by missing the playoffs for the second season in a row.