Evgeni “Geno” Malkin was drafted second overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft behind fellow countryman and superstar Alex Ovechkin. Despite finishing last in the standings, the Penguins did not win the draft lottery and had to settle for the consolation prize of a franchise center and future hall of fame player in Malkin. Malkin’s contract in the KHL prevented him from joining the Pens, ultimately forcing Malkin to secretly defect from his team during a practice in Finland to board a private jet for the US.

Malkin finally suited up for the Pens in 2006-07, winning the Calder trophy as the NHL’s top rookie and being named to the all-rookie team with 33 goals and 52 assists in 78 games. The following season he would top that number, finishing with 106 points, and in 2008-09 finishing with a career high 113 points and powering the Penguins to their first Stanley Cup since 1992. He would win the Art Ross trophy as the NHL’s top scorer, as well as the Conn Smythe trophy as the top performer in the playoffs. Malkin would save his best for the 2011-12 season, winning the scoring title, league MVP, as well as MVP as voted on by the players. Over a decade later, and with two more Stanley Cup championships under his belt, Malkin continues to produce at an elite level. He currently ranks 23rd all time in points, just ahead of Patrick Kane and just below Dale Hawerchuk.

This jersey was worn on February 2nd 2009 vs the Tampa Bay Lightning, in which he scored two goals including the overtime game winner! I’m positive I went to this game, but a ticket stub or some other form of proof eludes me… either way, it shows nice wear in the form of board burns on both shoulders, a hole from a burn on the left arm, stick marks on both cuffs and the crest, several pulled threads, and is matched multiple times. A great example of a pinnacle year Malkin!