Penguins’ Andrei Kuzmenko leaves team after father Alexander killed by bear

Tragedy stuck the Pittsburgh Penguins organization this week, with news that the father of forward Andrei Kuzmenko was killed in a bear attack while on a fishing trip in Siberia.

>Kuzmenko’s father, a well-renowned hockey coach in Russia, was just 62 years old.

>The 30-year-old Kuzmenko is entering his fifth year in the NHL since joining in 2022 with the Vancouver Canucks. He signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Penguins on July 1, 2026.

>After news of Kuzmenko’s father’s death went public, the Penguins announced the forward is taking a leave of absence from the team to be with his family in Moscow.

>MORE: Top 10 storylines entering 2026-27 NHL season

Pittsburgh Penguins Release Statement On Andrei Kuzmenko’s LeaveSep 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko (10) moves the puck ahead of Buffalo Sabres forward Trevor Kuntar (52) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)“The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened, this morning, to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander,” Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement. “Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the Kuzmenko family and their loved ones as they grieve the loss of Alexander. We ask that the privacy of Andrei and the Kuzmenko family be respected at this time.

>“Andrei chose to be surrounded by his teammates and practice with the team this morning before returning to Moscow to be with his family this afternoon“Andrei and the Kuzmenko family have the full support of the Penguins organization during this time.”

>Throughout his NHL career, Kuzmenko has recorded 182 points (85 goals and 97 assists) in 271 regular season games. He has recorded six points (3 goals and 3 assists) in seven playoff appearances with the Kings.

>Our deepest condolences go out to Kuzmenko’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.

>—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—