Born in Magnitogorsk, Russia (USSR at the time), Malkin played for the Metallurg Magnitogorsk program in the Russian Superleague, making his debut at the age of 17. Though he was drafted in 2004, he did not join the Penguins' organization until 2006 due to a contract dispute with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. During his time on the international stage, Malkin was named MVP of the 2006 World Junior Championships. Two months later, he joined up with the Russian National Team to play in the 2006 Winter Olympics, playing behind many NHL superstars. | Born in Magnitogorsk, Russia (USSR at the time), Malkin played for the Metallurg Magnitogorsk program in the Russian Superleague, making his debut at the age of 17. Though he was drafted in 2004, he did not join the Penguins' organization until 2006 due to a contract dispute with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. During his time on the international stage, Malkin was named MVP of the 2006 World Junior Championships. Two months later, he joined up with the Russian National Team to play in the 2006 Winter Olympics, playing behind many NHL superstars. |