Evgeni Nabokov

Evgeni Nabokov, born on July 25, 1975, in Kazakhstan, is a distinguished former professional ice hockey goaltender and current coach. His illustrious career spanned from 1991 to 2015, during which he showcased his talents in the National Hockey League (NHL) with teams such as the San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Additionally, he played in the Russian Super League (RSL) and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for notable clubs including Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk, Dynamo Moscow, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, and SKA Saint Petersburg.

Nicknamed 'Nabby', Nabokov was drafted two hundred nineteenth overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 1994 NHL entry draft. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier goaltenders, earning the Calder Memorial Trophy in two thousand one as the best first-year player and becoming a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in two thousand eight. His remarkable skills led him to become the all-time leader in nearly every goaltending category for the Sharks during his first nine seasons, including games played, wins, and shutouts.

In two thousand two, Nabokov made history by scoring a goal, becoming the seventh goaltender in NHL history to achieve this feat and the first to do so not from North America. After a brief departure from the NHL in two thousand ten to play for SKA Saint Petersburg, he returned to conclude his career in the league. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching, initially serving as a development coach for the Sharks before being appointed as the goaltending coach in two thousand nineteen.

Internationally, Nabokov began his career representing Kazakhstan at the 1994 World Championships Group C. He later joined the Russian national team, competing in the two thousand six and two thousand ten Winter Olympics and securing a gold medal at the two thousand eight World Championships.