Russian media hands out 2017 Kharlamov Trophy

For the second time in his career Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has won the Kharlamov Trophy as Russia’s top player. If Malkin’s 33 goals and 72 points in just 62 games during the regular season weren’t impressive enough, his 10 goals and 28 points in the Pens’ second of their back-to-back Stanley Cup runs must have clinched him the award for 2017.

The Trophy, named after legendary Soviet player Valeri Kharlamov, was established in 2002 by Russian sports publication Sovetsky Sport and is awarded annually in Moscow.

Malkin had previously won the award in 2012 and is just one of four players who have won the award dating back ten years. The others have been seven time winner Alex Ovechkin, two time winner Pavel Datsyuk and last season’s winner Artemi Panarin.

Congrats, Geno! Another well deserved honor!