Malkin's Long Journey Comes To An End

Over the past two years, Evgeni Malkin has talked openly about playing in the NHL. It was his dream since he was a boy growing up in Magnitogorsk, Russia. Although he was the star player on his hometown team, he always wanted to see how he would stack up against the best in the world. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of other Great Russian players who had crossed the Atlantic with much success!

Malkin felt that there was little more to gain by staying in the Russian Super League another season. He actually had hoped to join the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, but was persuaded to stay in Russia for one more year. The management of Malkin's Russian Super League team assured him that he could leave for the NHL this season with their blessing. Something that changed as soon as it was time for him to leave.

The team reneged on their agreement and put the pressure on Malkin to stay. He felt that there was no other option and signed a renegotiated contract with Metallurg. The signing set into motion some of the most intriguing events of the young hockey season, as we saw Malkin vanish from an airport in Finland only to resurface in LA. From there he began on ice training sessions, got into playing shape and arrived in Pittsburgh to sign his first professional contract on September 5.

Malkin reported to Penguins rookie/training camp and he was as advertised. He was impressive against the rookies, but really began to shine when he was matched against other NHL players. He was starting to wow the Mellon Arena crowds during the intrasquad scrimmages and was flashing all the tools that had him dubbed: "The best player in the world not in the NHL." Though it wasn't a true game situation the 6'3" 185lb Malkin was getting a taste of the success he hoped to have in North America.

It looked as though nothing could keep Evgeni Malkin from achieving his goal of being on the Penguins opening night roster. Unfortunately, fate was still working overtime and Malkin would be forced to miss the start of the season after all. He was injured September 20 during his preseason debut, when he collided with teammate John LeClair. Malkin had been impressive in the first period and was skating his first shift of the second, when he tried to feed LeClair in the slot. He laid a perfect saucer pass across to LeClair who lost his footing and crashed into the end boards. Malkin, who was circling the net, tried to avoid LeClair, but ended up crashing headfirst into the ice, dislocating his shoulder in the process. Malkin's status wasn't clear at that point and his season was suddenly in doubt. His dream on hold again.

Malkin remained in high spirits and started his rehab program. Rumors were rampant that he would be out 3 to 6 months with shoulder surgery, but the team was very tight lipped about the injury. Almost overnight, Malkin was making significant progress. He accompanied the team on its final road trip of the preseason and began skating with teammates. He continued his quick progress but was expected to miss all the month of October. Positive reports continued to leak out of his skating sessions, and he began going through full practices with the team this past week. No one was sure of when he would debut.

That question was answered yesterday when the team announced that Malkin would dig his blades into an NHL sheet of ice for the first time this Wednesday, October 18, against the New Jersey Devils. Malkin couldn't be happier. "I'm in good shape, I feel good and my arm is good so everything is well," said Malkin through interpreter Sergei Gonchar.

Malkin will skate on a line with Mark Recchi and Ryan Malone, a duo he developed some chemistry with during training camp. The Penguins are hoping that getting this talented young center into the line-up will jump-start the offense. Malkin hopes to jump-start his chase for the Calder Trophy, and to finally reach his goal of playing in the NHL.