Story Summary
Andrei Kuzmenko has taken a leave of absence from the Pittsburgh Penguins to mourn the death of his father, Alexander Kuzmenko. The 30-year-old forward practised with the Penguins on Thursday before travelling to Moscow to be with his family. Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was killed by a bear while on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas expressed the organisation’s sorrow, offered support to the family and asked that their privacy be respected.
Key Facts
- Andrei Kuzmenko has taken a leave of absence from the Pittsburgh Penguins to mourn the death of his father, Alexander Kuzmenko.
- The 30-year-old forward practised with the Penguins on Thursday before departing for Moscow to be with his family.
- Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was killed by a bear while on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia and suffered extensive tissue damage after being bitten in the head.
- Alexander Kuzmenko was with six travel companions who managed to drive the bear away and moved him to a nearby settlement; he was airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl but was unable to be saved.
- Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said: ” The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened, this morning, to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander. 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.”
- Dubas also said: ” 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.”
- Andrei Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Penguins on July 1.
- Last season, Kuzmenko had 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games for the Los Angeles Kings and underwent surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.
- Entering his fifth NHL season, Kuzmenko has 182 points (85 goals, 97 assists) in 271 regular-season NHL games for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings, and six points (three goals, three assists) in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games.
- Alexander Kuzmenko was described as a respected hockey coach in Russia.
IHM Discussion
The Penguins have confirmed a tragic family bereavement for Andrei Kuzmenko. General manager Kyle Dubas expressed the organisation’s condolences, asked for privacy and said Kuzmenko has the club’s full support. Kuzmenko practised with the team on Thursday before leaving for Moscow to be with his family.
For Pittsburgh, the situation is first and foremost a human one. Kuzmenko is a 30-year-old forward who signed a one-year, $5 million contract on 1 July. He had 25 points, including 13 goals, in 52 games for the Los Angeles Kings last season before undergoing surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.
Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was a respected hockey coach in Russia. He was on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia when he was attacked by a bear. His companions drove the animal away and moved him to a nearby settlement before he was airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, where he could not be saved.
Pittsburgh will manage Kuzmenko’s absence as needed, but no return timeline or roster move has been specified. The immediate priority remains support for Kuzmenko and his family.
Why It Matters
This is principally a personal tragedy rather than an on-ice development, although it comes during the Penguins’ preparations for the regular season. Kuzmenko is a contracted forward who practised before leaving to be with his family, and any extended absence could affect forward depth and line combinations. The immediate priority is support and flexibility while the player is away.
Mini Q&A
Why is Andrei Kuzmenko on leave from the Penguins?
Kuzmenko is on leave to mourn the death of his father, Alexander Kuzmenko, who was killed in a bear attack while on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia.
What happened to Alexander Kuzmenko?
Alexander, 62, was killed by a bear while on a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia. He was moved to a nearby settlement by his travel companions and airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, where he could not be saved.
When did Kuzmenko sign with the Penguins and what is his contract?
Andrei Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1.
What are Kuzmenko’s recent playing and injury details?
Last season he had 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games for the Los Angeles Kings and underwent surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.
Is there a confirmed return date for Kuzmenko?
No. The Penguins’ statement confirms he left to be with his family and says he has the organisation’s support; it does not provide a timeline for his return.
Coach Mark Comment
The coaching priority is straightforward: give the player space and support, while keeping the group prepared for the work in front of it. Pittsburgh can use internal options to cover any short-term absence and keep its plans flexible until Kuzmenko is ready to return.
IHM Final View
This is a sudden and tragic family bereavement for Andrei Kuzmenko. He practised with the Penguins before leaving for Moscow to be with his family, and the club has publicly offered its support while asking for privacy. For now, the focus is on Kuzmenko and his family rather than the Penguins’ on-ice plans.