Evgenii Dadonov
A skilled Russian winger whose persistent offensive creativity and sharp shot made him a valued scorer across multiple NHL franchises.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Russian ice hockey player·Birthday: March 12·Millennials
Biography
Evgenii Dadonov's hockey journey is a tale of persistence and a sharp eye for the net. Drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2007, his path to North America wasn't straightforward; he first honed his craft in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League, developing into a dynamic offensive threat. His eventual NHL arrival showcased a player with slick hands and a deceptive release, capable of turning a game with a single play. While never a league-leading superstar, Dadonov carved out a significant career as a reliable top-six forward, bringing his scoring touch to teams like the Ottawa Senators, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars. His story reflects that of a modern hockey nomad, adapting his game to different systems and consistently contributing on the score sheet, ultimately earning respect as a proven offensive weapon.
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.
Evgenii was born in 1989, 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 Evgenii Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Evgenii's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
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
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored a career-high 28 goals and 70 points during the 2018-19 season with the Florida Panthers.
- Represented Russia at multiple IIHF World Championships, winning a gold medal in 2014.
- Played over 650 regular-season games in the NHL, establishing himself as a consistent top-nine forward.
- Recorded three consecutive 20+ goal seasons in the NHL from 2017 to 2020.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the third round, 71st overall, in the same draft class as Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk.
Before his NHL breakthrough, he was a KHL All-Star and won the Gagarin Cup with SKA Saint Petersburg in 2015.
His father, Anatoly Dadonov, was also a professional hockey player in the Soviet league.
“You must be ready to shoot from any position; that's how you score goals.”
