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Sergei Gonchar is a Russian Hockey Defenseman currently playing for the Ottawa
Senators in the National Hockey League. He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in
the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, and has also played for the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh
Penguins. Gonchar began his career playing for the Portland Pirates, the Capitals’
American Hockey League Affiliate. In his first full length season, Gonchar tallied 41
points, showing his abilities as an offensive defenseman. In the 1999-00 season,
Gonchar reached the 50 point mark for the first time in his career. Between 2000 and
2004, Gonchar tallied more points than any other defenseman, with 74 goals and 241
points.

Gonchar played for the Pittsburgh Penguins up until the 2009-10 season. He
experienced success there, as did house rookie Evgeni Malkin when he arrived from
Russia in October 2006. Gonchar is known for being one of the best offensive
defensemen in the game today. On July 1, 2010, Gonchar signed a three-year, $16
million contract with the Ottawa Senators. One of his most notable accomplishments is
his NHL record for being the first Russian defenseman to score 200 goals.