Evgeni Malkin Thinks He Would Make The List of 100 Greatest NHL Players Today

3 min read
Oct 17, 2024, 10:10 AM

 

When the NHL compiled its list of the 100 greatest players in its centennial year in 2017, Evgeni Malkin was not included. The Pittsburgh Penguins forward admitted that he was very upset about this, and many in the hockey community felt that the vote result was not entirely fair to Malkin.

But if the vote were held now, Malkin would likely find a place among the 100 greatest players in league history. On Wednesday, he became the 48th player in history to score 500 goals in the NHL.

"If the NHL celebrated its centennial this year, my chances would probably be a little higher. Not even a little," Malkin smiled in a conversation with RG after the game against the Buffalo Sabres (6-5 OT) on Wednesday. "In 2017, we won the Stanley Cup, but the voting took place a little earlier. Now I have three Stanley Cups, 500 goals, 1,300 points... So I could probably get to 99th place now."

After five games of the 2024-25 season, Malkin has 11 points (two years, nine assists) and is the league's top scorer as of Thursday morning. The 38-year-old forward's closest competitors have eight points each. The Pittsburgh forward looks like an even better version of himself this season. Not only is he a threat in attack, but he is also much more effective in defense, rarely loses the puck, and has not committed a penalty yet. With such statistics, you can even count on the Selke Trophy, the award to the forward "who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game."

"It would be nice to win the Selke," Malkin smiled. "But the season has just begun, only five games have been played, it is too early to think about it. What I really want to think about now is the two goals that I managed to score this season. I want to calm down a little and enjoy the moment, because I have come a long and difficult way to my 500th goal. Today, I can confidently say that I am proud of myself. I am also very happy for Sid [Sidney Crosby], who scored his 1,600th point today. We also won a crazy game in overtime. Now I want to enjoy the evening. I have prepared well for the season, I am in good shape. Let's see what happens next."

Malkin scored his first goal in the NHL in his first game on October 18, 2006, in a match against the New Jersey Devils.

"Of course, I remember that moment," Malkin answered. "Moments like the first goal, the 500th and 1,000th points, the Stanley Cup, are always memorable. It was 18 years ago, but I remember how in the second period I managed to score a slightly ridiculous goal. Martin Brodeur couldn't hold the puck down, and I pushed it between his legs with my stick. Under today's rules, such a goal might not have counted. And now it's 500. It's been a long journey. I have to thank my teammates; without their help, I wouldn't have gotten to this point. Many of them have already retired, and I'm still playing."

 

Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Head of News Department

Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

Interests:
NHL
EPL
FIFA
UCL
NFL
NBA
BWF
Hiking
Poker

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Hockey
05/28/2025
James Murphy
James Murphy
Report: Marco Rossi’s Uncertain Future Sparks NHL Trade Market Buzz
Marco Rossi is at the center of NHL trade talks as the Minnesota Wild weigh options before July 1, drawing interest from multiple NHL teams
Report: Marco Rossi’s Uncertain Future Sparks NHL Trade Market Buzz
Hockey
05/28/2025
Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico
Source: Brock Nelson Nixed Trade To Winnipeg Before Islanders Dealt Him To Colorado
Before trading Brock Nelson to the Avalanche, the Islanders had a deal with Winnipeg—blocked by Nelson himself
Source: Brock Nelson Nixed Trade To Winnipeg Before Islanders Dealt Him To Colorado
Hockey
05/27/2025
Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico
“I’m Always On The Hunt”: Carter Bear On Recovery, Mindset, And His NHL Draft Dream
2025 NHL Draft prospect Carter Bear opens up on his injury comeback, draft dreams, and why he plays like a wolf in this exclusive interview with RG
“I’m Always On The Hunt”: Carter Bear On Recovery, Mindset, And His NHL Draft Dream
Hockey
05/26/2025
James Murphy
James Murphy
“There’s A Shared Desire To Do This Right”: Marty Walsh On CBA Talks, NHL Expansion, And Player Safety
NHLPA’s Marty Walsh exclusively updates RG on CBA negotiations, expansion talk, blackouts, and why player health is priority No. 1
“There’s A Shared Desire To Do This Right”: Marty Walsh On CBA Talks, NHL Expansion, And Player Safety
Prev
...
Next

Hockey Writers

Daria Tuboltseva
Daria Tuboltseva
Hockey Reporter

Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals. 

Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.

Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.