LAS VEGAS (June 20, 2012) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) today announced Evgeni Malkin as the recipient of the 2011-12 Ted Lindsay Award, presented annually to the “Most Outstanding Player” in the NHL as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA.
“Congratulations to Evgeni Malkin for being chosen by his fellow players as the most outstanding player in the NHL this season,” said Ted Lindsay, Hockey Hall of Fame player, about the 2011-12 recipient of the award that bears his namesake. “There is no greater honour than to receive such respect from your peers on the ice. Evgeni is a very talented hockey player in all aspects of the game. He had a great season and is a very deserving recipient.”
Ted Lindsay was on hand to present the players’ award, along with celebrity presenter Cory Monteith from the hit TV show “Glee”, as part of the 2012 NHL Awards which were held at the Encore Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas. The finalists for the 2011-12 Ted Lindsay Award, Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, were also in attendance.
The Ted Lindsay Award is the only award voted on by the players themselves, carrying on the tradition established by the Lester B. Pearson Award since 1970-71. The Award honours Ted Lindsay, an All-Star forward known for his skill, tenacity, leadership, and for his role in establishing the original Players' Association.
Evgeni is now the fourth Penguins player to receive the “Most Outstanding Player” award as voted on by the players. He follows former Penguins forwards Mario Lemieux (1985-86, 1987-88, 1992-93, 1995-96) and Jaromir Jagr (1998-99, 1999-00, 2005-06), and current teammate Sidney Crosby (2006-07).
The native of Magnitogorsk, Russia led all NHL players in 2011-12 regular season scoring (109 points) to earn his second Art Ross Trophy (2008-09). He also finished with more than 100 points in a season for the third time in his career, while finishing third in assists (59) and second in goals (a career-high 50).
In recognition of being named the 2011-12 Ted Lindsay Award winner, Evgeni was presented with an elegant men’s watch from Breitling.
Fans and media are encouraged to visit www.nhlpa.com to view further background information on the Ted Lindsay Award and finalist profiles.
2011-12 Ted Lindsay Award Recipient:
EVGENI MALKIN
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 202 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Age: 25
Born: Magnitogorsk, Russia
Draft: Selected 1st Round, 2nd Overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2004 Entry Draft
Career Achievements:
Ted Lindsay Award (2011-12)
Art Ross Trophy (2008-09, 2011-12)
Calder Trophy (2006-07)
Stanley Cup (2009 – Pittsburgh Penguins)
Kharlamov Trophy (2012)
IIHF World Championships gold medal (2012 – Russia)
NHL All-Star Game (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012)
“Most Outstanding Player” Award Recipients:
Lester B. Pearson Award
1984-85 Wayne Gretzky
1999-00 Jaromir Jagr
1970-71 Phil Esposito
1985-86 Mario Lemieux
2000-01 Joe Sakic
1971-72 Jean Ratelle
1986-87 Wayne Gretzky
2001-02 Jarome Iginla
1972-73 Bobby Clarke
1987-88 Mario Lemieux
2002-03 Markus Naslund
1973-74 Phil Esposito
1988-89 Steve Yzerman
2003-04 Martin St. Louis
1974-75 Bobby Orr
1989-90 Mark Messier
2005-06 Jaromir Jagr
1975-76 Guy Lafleur
1990-91 Brett Hull
2006-07 Sidney Crosby
1976-77 Guy Lafleur
1991-92 Mark Messier
2007-08 Alexander Ovechkin
1977-78 Guy Lafleur
1992-93 Mario Lemieux
2008-09 Alexander Ovechkin
1978-79 Marcel Dionne
1993-94 Sergei Fedorov
Ted Lindsay Award
1979-80 Marcel Dionne
1994-95 Eric Lindros
2009-10 Alexander Ovechkin
1980-81 Mike Liut
1995-96 Mario Lemieux
2010-11 Daniel Sedin
1981-82 Wayne Gretzky
1996-97 Dominik Hasek
2011-12 Evgeni Malkin
1982-83 Wayne Gretzky
1997-98 Dominik Hasek
1983-84 Wayne Gretzky
1998-99 Jaromir Jagr
