Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin recently became the latest victim of a burglary when thieves broke into his home and stole three of his Stanley Cup championship rings.
The break-in happened on the night of January 11, when Malkin, who was away playing a game, returned to find his home in Sewickley Heights had been ransacked. He called the police immediately, and authorities soon confirmed that the missing items were the valuable championship rings.
The Allegheny County Police are now investigating the theft, and while it’s not yet clear if this burglary is connected to a larger pattern, it comes as part of a troubling trend of organized thefts targeting professional athletes across the country. Just last month, the FBI had issued a warning about groups specifically targeting athletes’ homes, knowing they could have high-end items like expensive jewelry and watches.
Other athletes who’ve been hit by similar burglaries include stars like Kansas City Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić, among others. These thefts have mostly occurred while the athletes were away at games or traveling for work.
As of now, authorities are working with law enforcement from other affected areas but haven’t found any direct links between Malkin’s case and the larger network of thieves targeting sports figures. Malkin, a 38-year-old forward in his 18th season in the NHL, is known for his incredible skill and has scored over 500 goals during his career.
This latest burglary is just another reminder of the dangers athletes face even when they’re off the field or rink, as criminals continue to target high-profile homes. Authorities are urging anyone who notices suspicious activity to report it right away.
