Evgeni Malkin joins Penguins amid dramatic journey in 2006
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 24, 2026, 3:16 AM
Last updated Jul 24, 2026
In September 2006, Evgeni Malkin joined the Pittsburgh Penguins as the team's second overall pick in 2004. After departing his Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk under pressure, he arrived in Pittsburgh to much fanfare. Penguins owner Mario Lemieux presented Malkin with his jersey, and he expressed his excitement to begin his NHL career. Malkin moved in with teammate Sergei Gonchar as the team aimed to integrate him into their system smoothly. He faced challenges adapting to a new country and language but remained committed to proving his abilities on the ice.
- •Malkin left Metallurg Magnitogorsk in August 2006.
- •He was welcomed warmly by the Penguins in Pittsburgh.
- •Mario Lemieux personally presented him with a Penguins jersey.
- •Malkin lived with teammate Sergei Gonchar upon arrival.
- •The coaching staff planned to support his transition into the NHL.
- 3:16 AMYahoo Sports — From The Archive: Malkin’s Down The Middle
"Here's an old story from The Hockey News archive about Evgeni Malkin from 2006.
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