



Last season, Evgeni Malkin returned from a knee injury to reclaim his title as the best hockey player in the world with 50 goals and a league-best 109-point season.

Malkin’s standing became official during last summer’s NHL Awards in Las Vegas when the Russian native took home the hat trick of elite trophies – Art Ross (scoring champion), Hart (MVP) and Ted Lindsay (most outstanding player as voted by Players Association).

Malkin, 26, received another surprise Friday afternoon before the team’s practice. He was presented with a miniature Ted Lindsay trophy by Players Association rep Craig Adams in the locker room in front of his teammates.

Malkin smiled and accepted the award, giving a small speech to his teammates.

“Thank you guys, this is a nice surprise for me," Malkin said. "Thank you everyone, not just (Chris Kunitz) and Lazy (James Neal). I had a tough injury and you all supported me. I love you guys."

Adams also presented Malkin with a portrait, given to him by the NHLPA.



