Evgeni Malkin
A towering Russian center whose sublime skill and physical dominance powered a Pittsburgh Penguins dynasty alongside Sidney Crosby.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Russian ice hockey player·Birthday: July 31·Millennials
Biography
Evgeni Malkin arrived in Pittsburgh under a cloud of international intrigue, a prized draft pick whose move from Russia was stalled by political drama. When he finally slipped onto NHL ice in 2006, he immediately announced his arrival with a goal in his first six consecutive games. 'Geno' was not just another star; he was a 6'3" force of nature with the hands of a sculptor and the vision of a chess master. While often operating in the considerable shadow of teammate Sidney Crosby, Malkin carved out a legacy entirely his own as one of the most complete offensive engines of his generation. He won the Calder Trophy as top rookie, then, when Crosby was injured, seized the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2012. His Conn Smythe performance in 2017, where he was playoff MVP, was a masterpiece of will and skill, cementing his role as the indispensable second pillar of a team that captured three Stanley Cups. His career is a testament to elite consistency and a fiery competitive spirit that burns just as bright as his more celebrated counterpart's.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Evgeni was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Evgeni Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Evgeni's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player for the 2011-12 season.
- Awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Penguins' 2017 Stanley Cup run.
- Captured the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer in the 2008-09 and 2011-12 seasons.
- Is a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2009, 2016, 2017).
Did You Know?
He famously defected from his Russian team's Finnish training camp in 2006 to immediately join the Penguins.
His parents, Vladimir and Natalia, are both hockey coaches.
He is one of only five Russian-born players to win the Hart Trophy.
He and Sidney Crosby are the only teammates to have both won the Art Ross, Hart, and Conn Smythe trophies.
“I love Pittsburgh. This is my home. I play here long time, my heart here.”
