Evgeni Nabokov facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Evgeni Nabokov
Nabokov with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014
Born	(1975-07-25) July 25, 1975 (age 50) Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	202 lb (92 kg; 14 st 6 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Caught	Left
Played for	Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk Dynamo Moscow San Jose Sharks Metallurg Magnitogorsk SKA Saint Petersburg New York Islanders Tampa Bay Lightning
National team	Kazakhstan and  Russia
NHL Draft	219th overall, 1994 San Jose Sharks
Playing career	1991–2015

Evgeni Viktorovich Nabokov (born July 25, 1975) is a former professional ice hockey goaltender from Russia. He played for many teams during his career from 1991 to 2015. These included the San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL). He also played for teams in Russia, like Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk and HC Dynamo Moscow.

Nabokov was often called "Nabby" by fans and teammates. He was picked by the San Jose Sharks in the 1994 NHL draft. Many people thought he was one of the best goalies in the NHL. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2001 as the best first-year player. He was also a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2008, which is given to the best goaltender. After his playing career, Nabokov became a coach for the Sharks.

During his nine seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Nabokov set many team records. He led the team in games played, wins, and shutouts. When he retired, he was among the top goalies in NHL history for regular season wins. In 2002, he even scored a goal in a game! He was the seventh goalie in NHL history to do this. He was also the first goalie from outside North America to score a goal.

Evgeni Nabokov was born in Kazakhstan, which was part of the Soviet Union at the time. He first played for the Kazakhstan men's national ice hockey team. Later, he joined the Russia men's national ice hockey team. He played for Russia in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics. He also won a gold medal with Russia at the 2008 World Championships.

Playing Career Highlights

Starting in Russia

Nabokov began his hockey journey with his hometown team, Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk. He played there for three years, from 1991 to 1994. After his time with Torpedo, the San Jose Sharks picked him in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He was chosen in the ninth round, as the 219th player overall. The Sharks' scout, Tim Burke, heard about Nabokov while looking at other players. The Sharks did not even see Nabokov play before drafting him. They did not contact him until 1997.

After being drafted, Nabokov moved to HC Dynamo Moscow. He played there for the next three seasons. In his first year with Dynamo, his team won the league championship. After the 1996–97 season, the Sharks offered him a contract. They wanted him to come play in North America.

Nabokov loved playing for Dynamo Moscow. He was not sure about moving to North America at first. He would have to play for the Sharks' minor league teams. But his parents told him to go, so he decided to try it. He was sent to the Kentucky Thoroughblades, a team in the American Hockey League (AHL). It was hard for him to get used to the new place and style of hockey. He almost went back to Russia during his first year. But he met his future wife, Tabitha, and improved his game. He played 33 games for the Thoroughblades that year. The next season was much better. He played in 43 games and won 26 of them.

Time with the San Jose Sharks

Nabokov started the 1999–2000 season with the Cleveland Lumberjacks. This team was another Sharks affiliate. After 20 games, Nabokov was called up to the San Jose Sharks. He became the backup goalie for Steve Shields. Nabokov played his first NHL game on January 1, 2000. His first start was on January 19 against the Colorado Avalanche. He made 39 saves and got his first shutout in a 0–0 tie. He played 11 games for the Sharks that season.

Nabokov stretching with the San Jose Sharks before a game in November 2005

In the second game of the 2000–01 season, Steve Shields got hurt. This made Nabokov the main starting goalie. He played in 66 games, winning 32 of them. He was chosen for the mid-season All-Star Game. Nabokov won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the best rookie player that year. He was also named to the NHL All-Rookie team. He finished fourth in voting for the Vezina Trophy for the league's best goalie.

He had a great season again in 2001–02. He won 37 games and had 7 shutouts in 67 games. On March 10, 2002, he scored a goal against the Vancouver Canucks. He was the first European goalie to score a goal. He was also the first goalie to score a powerplay goal.

At the start of the 2002–03 season, Nabokov had a contract disagreement. He wanted more money after earning less than $1 million in the previous two seasons. He missed five games before signing a new two-year contract. Both Nabokov and the Sharks had a tough season. The team missed the playoffs for the first time in six years. Nabokov only won 19 games. Things got better in 2003–04. Nabokov's 31 wins helped the team reach the playoffs again. They made it to the third round, which was a first for the team. He signed another two-year contract in 2004.

Nabokov was seen as one of the best goalies in the NHL. However, the 2005–06 season was not his best. His save percentage was low, which worried the team. He became the backup goalie behind Vesa Toskala. Even with this, Nabokov signed a four-year contract extension in 2006.

Nabokov in net for the San Jose Sharks in November 2007

During the 2006–07 season, Nabokov shared the starting goalie duties. He started 49 of the Sharks' 82 games. He played all 5 games in the 2007 NHL playoffs. He helped the Sharks beat the Nashville Predators.

In the first half of the 2007–08 season, Nabokov started the first 43 games. He was recognized as one of the "Three Stars" of the NHL in December 2007. He was also named the "Sharks Player of the Month" by Seagate Technology. Nabokov won this award nine times, which is a team record.

Nabokov with the Sharks in 2008

Nabokov played in his second NHL All-Star Game on January 27, 2008. He stopped all eight shots he faced. On May 4, during a playoff game, Nabokov made an amazing glove save. He stopped a shot from Brad Richards of the Dallas Stars. The game lasted for four overtime periods. It was one of the longest games in league history.

Nabokov had 41 wins for San Jose in the 2008–09 season. The team finished first in the Western Conference. But they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. On October 17, 2009, he played his 500th career game. He stopped 31 shots in a 4–1 win. On February 11, 2010, Nabokov stopped a career-high 50 shots. This was in a 3–2 shootout win. It was also his 11th straight road victory, a new NHL record.

Later Career and Retirement

Nabokov with the Islanders in 2013

After the 2009-10 season, the Sharks told Nabokov they could not offer him a new contract. This was because of the NHL salary cap. Nabokov did not get offers from other NHL teams. So, he signed with SKA St. Petersburg in Russia. The deal was for a lot of money over four years. But Nabokov struggled in Russia. After 22 games, he was released by the team in December 2010.

Nabokov became a free agent again. He signed with the Detroit Red Wings in January 2011. The Red Wings were a top team. But because he started the season in Russia, NHL rules said he had to go on waivers. This meant any team lower than Detroit in the standings could claim him. The New York Islanders claimed him. They were one of the worst teams at the time. Nabokov did not want to join the Islanders. He had only signed with Detroit to play in the playoffs. The Islanders suspended him, and he did not play for the rest of the 2010–11 season.

In August 2011, Nabokov said he would report to the Islanders' training camp. He played for the team during the 2011–12 season. He became their starting goaltender. He got his first win with the team on October 15, 2011. On January 14, 2012, Nabokov got his 300th career win. He was the 26th goalie to reach this milestone. He signed new contracts to stay with the Islanders for two more seasons.

In 2014, the Islanders signed new goalies. It was clear they would not re-sign Nabokov. On July 1, 2014, he signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was the team's backup goalie. In February 2015, he was placed on waivers. On February 9, 2015, Nabokov was traded back to the Sharks. He announced his retirement on February 11, 2015.

After Playing Hockey

In September 2015, Nabokov became a goaltending development coach and scout for the Sharks. He worked with goalies for the Sharks and their minor league team. On December 11, 2019, Nabokov was named the Sharks' goaltending coach.

International Hockey Career

Nabokov at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Medal record
Representing  Russia
Men's ice hockey
World Championships
Gold	2008 Russia	Ice hockey

Nabokov first played in an international tournament for Kazakhstan. This was at the 1994 World Championships. He played in three games. This appearance meant Nabokov could not play for Russia at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Rules said players could not play for two different countries after age 18. Nabokov was 19 when he played for Kazakhstan.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) later allowed Nabokov to play for Russia. This was for the 2006 Winter Olympics. Nabokov played seven games, winning four and getting three shutouts. Russia finished fourth. He then played for Russia at the 2008 World Championships. Nabokov had two shutouts in a row. Russia beat Canada 5-4 in the gold medal game. He was named to the tournament's all-star team and best goaltender.

Nabokov was the starting goalie for Russia at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He helped Russia reach the quarterfinals against Canada. But he allowed four goals in the first period and was taken out of the game. Russia lost 7–3. Nabokov finished the Olympics with two wins and one loss. Russia placed sixth overall. His last international tournament was the 2011 IIHF World Championship. He played four games for Russia before an injury made him leave. Russia finished fourth.

Personal Life

Nabokov was an only child. He was born in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan. His father, Viktor, was also a professional hockey goaltender. He played for 18 years in the Soviet Union. After retiring, Viktor started a goalie school. Evgeni later went to this school. His mother, Tatyana, was an engineer. Nabokov started playing hockey at age six, choosing the same position as his dad.

When he moved to North America in 1997, Nabokov first used the name "John." He thought English speakers might have trouble saying his real name.

Nabokov met his wife, Tabitha Eckler, in Kentucky. She was a college student and waitress. They got married in 2001. They have two children: a daughter named Emily (born in January 2004) and a son named Andrei (born on February 12, 2007).

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Statistics

Awards and Honors

Nabokov signing autographs in October 2013

NHL Awards

San Jose Sharks Awards