15 Interesting Facts About Sergei Gonchar

Sergei Gonchar was a trailblazing Russian offensive defenseman who won a Stanley Cup as a player and later as a coach, known for his prolific scoring and consistent defensive play across a long NHL career.

Position
Defence
Jersey
#55
Status
Retired
Teams
10
Facts
15
1

He won the Stanley Cup as a player with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2

He was a five-time NHL All-Star during his career.

3

He was drafted 14th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.

4

He played for six different NHL teams throughout his career.

5

He was the first Russian defenseman in NHL history to score over 20 goals in a regular season.

6

He holds the NHL record for being the first Russian defenseman to score 200 career goals.

7

He tied his career high in points with 67 in the 2002-03 and 2006-07 seasons.

8

During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, he returned to Russia to play for Metallurg Magnitogorsk alongside future Penguins teammates.

9

Between 2000 and 2004, he recorded more points than any other NHL defenseman, with 74 goals and 241 points.

10

He led the NHL in goals by a defenseman between the 2000-01 and 2009-10 seasons, with 128 goals.

11

He earned an Olympic silver medal in 1998 and a bronze medal in 2002 while representing Russia.

12

After retiring as a player, he served as a Defensive Development Coach and Assistant Coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning two more Stanley Cups.

13

He housed rookie Evgeni Malkin when he first arrived from Russia in October 2006.

14

He played in 1,301 career NHL regular season games.

15

He played with a partially torn MCL during the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs, returning for Game 7 of the Conference Semi-Finals.

About Sergei Gonchar

Sergei Gonchar was a Russian offensive defenseman known for his powerful shot and consistent point production throughout his extensive NHL career. He became the first Russian defenseman to score over 20 goals in a regular season and to reach 200 career NHL goals. Gonchar won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, and later contributed to two more Stanley Cup victories as a development coach.

Career Achievements & Milestones

Stanley Cup Champion (player)

2009

5-time NHL All-Star

First Russian Defenceman to score 20+ goals in a season

1998-99

First Russian Defenceman to score 200 NHL goals

2010

Olympic Silver Medal

1998

Player Information & Stats

Detailed career statistics and background information about Sergei Gonchar.

Player Info

Country: Russia
Position: Defence
Jersey #: 55
Status: Retired
Age: 51 years old

Physical Stats

Height: 6' 2" (188 cm)
Weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
Born: Chelyabinsk, Russian SFSR

Career Stats

Seasons: 25
Goals: 220
Assists: 591
Points: 811
Teams: 10
Drafted: 1992
Round: 1st

Teams & Career

Traktor Chelyabinsk Dynamo Moscow Washington Capitals Lada Togliatti Boston Bruins Metallurg Magnitogorsk Pittsburgh Penguins Ottawa Senators Dallas Stars Montreal Canadiens

Sergei Gonchar played for 10 different teams during his 25 seasons career. He was originally drafted 1st overall by the Washington Capitals in 1992.