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Andrei Kuzmenko will return to Russia following the death of his father and will likely be away from the Penguins as they conclude the preseason.
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Alexander Kuzmenko was killed by a bear while on a fishing trip this week, according to a report from Russian media outlet REN TV. The report said he was fishing with several travel companions in the Tuva Republic, located in southern Siberia, when a bear emerged from the woods and bit him in the head.
His companions managed to drive the bear away, and Kuzmenko, 62, was taken to a hospital. He died there from his injuries.
“Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the Kuzmenko family and their loved ones as they grieve the loss of Alexander,” Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas said in a statement Thursday.
Alexander Kuzmenko was a hockey coach. He got Andrei involved in the sport, and the Penguins winger has spoken about how much his father meant to him.
Andrei chose to practice with the team Thursday morning before flying to Moscow to be with his family in the afternoon.
“Kyle talked to him this morning and let him know that whatever he needs, we’re there for him and his family,” Penguins executive Amanda Kessel said. “And however long it takes, we’ll do what we can to support him.”
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It is unclear when Kuzmenko will return to Pittsburgh. The 2026-27 season opener is Wednesday in Philadelphia.
The Penguins signed Kuzmenko – a former 39-goal scorer – to a one-year, $5 million contract this summer.
Kuzmenko’s cheery personality has stood out during his brief time in Pittsburgh.
“He’s so positive,” Penguins defenseman Ilya Solovyov said. “He’s like a lighter in a dark room, every time positive, no matter what’s happened.”
Solovyov said he’s known Kuzmenko well for a few years.
“It’s really tough to say anything,” Solovyov said. “We just have to pray with him and with his family, show them the respect, show them that we love him, and that’s all that we can show.”
Penguins coach Dan Muse said Kuzmenko has been “awesome to be around.”
“Always has a smile on his face, loves the game,” Muse said. “He’s been incredible. … His energy’s contagious. Obviously just really feeling for him here today.”
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This story was originally published September 25, 2026 at 2:41 AM.