Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko took an unexpected leave of absence from the franchise on September 24, 2026, following the tragic death of his father, Alexander, who was killed by a bear during a fishing trip in the Tuva Republic of southern Siberia at age 62.
Fantasy & Market Impact
Tragedy in Siberia and the Penguins’ Response
The hockey world received devastating news Thursday when the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that 30-year-old forward Andrei Kuzmenko was stepping away from the team. Russian news outlet Ren.tv reported that Alexander Kuzmenko, a highly regarded hockey coach in Russia, was attacked by a bear on Tuesday while on a fishing trip with six companions in the Tuva Republic.
The animal reportedly emerged from a nearby wooded area along the Krasnaya River and inflicted extensive tissue damage after biting Alexander in the head. While his companions successfully scared the bear away and attempted to secure immediate medical help, the dense forest terrain delayed ambulances from reaching the remote site for hours. Alexander was eventually airlifted to a hospital in the capital of Kyzyl, where medical interventions ultimately failed.
Despite the immense personal shock, Kuzmenko chose to report to the rink for Thursday morning’s skate. Penguins coach Dan Muse noted that the veteran forward wanted to be surrounded by his teammates before traveling to Moscow that afternoon.
‘Kuzy’ wanted to skate with the team today. He wanted to be with his teammates. That’s why he was out there. He’ll be traveling back to Russia."
Franchise Integration and Career Arc
General Manager Kyle Dubas and the broader Pittsburgh organization offered swift, unconditional support for the Kuzmenko family as they cope with the tragedy. The organization requested that media and fans respect their privacy during the mourning period.
Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with Pittsburgh in July, entering his fifth NHL season. His journey through North America has featured multiple stops since breaking into the league with the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23 after eight seasons in the KHL.
| Team | Tenure | Key Production |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Canucks | 2022–2024 | Impact rookie campaign, later traded |
| Calgary Flames | 2024–2025 | Served as top-nine forward |
| Philadelphia Flyers / Los Angeles Kings | 2025–2026 | Traded twice; 25 points in 52 games with LA |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | July 2026–Present | Signed a 1-year, $5M deal |
With Pittsburgh set to open the 2026-27 NHL regular season on the road against the Philadelphia Flyers next Wednesday, the team’s tactical focus momentarily takes a backseat to human elements. As the locker room absorbs the emotional weight of the news, the front office and coaching staff are prepared to give Kuzmenko all the time required to grieve alongside his family in Moscow.
