Andrei Kuzmenko to play on after father Alexander’s death announced by Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Thursday that forward Andrei Kuzmenko is mourning the death of his father, Alexander. The news comes just as Kuzmenko prepares for his first season with Pittsburgh, adding a difficult personal chapter to the start of his tenure with the club.

In a statement released by the team, general manager Kyle Dubas extended condolences on behalf of the organization, saying, “Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the Kuzmenko family,” while asking that the family’s privacy be respected during this time of grief.

Kuzmenko practises, then returns to Moscow

According to the Penguins, Kuzmenko chose to take part in practice with his teammates Thursday morning before returning to Moscow later in the day to be with his family. The team emphasized that Kuzmenko and his relatives have the full backing of the organization as they deal with their loss.

Kuzmenko joined Pittsburgh on a one-year contract signed July 1, making the Penguins the fifth NHL team of his career. The deal was seen as an opportunity for both sides: the club adding an experienced offensive option, and the player looking for a fresh start with a veteran core.

Veteran winger with four previous NHL stops

The Russian forward entered the NHL in 2022-23 with the Vancouver Canucks after a highly productive run in the KHL. His scoring touch and offensive instincts helped him establish himself quickly at the NHL level and led to subsequent stops with three more franchises.

Before arriving in Pittsburgh, Kuzmenko spent time with the Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings. Across 271 NHL regular-season games with those four teams, he has recorded 85 goals and 182 points, production that underscores the offensive value he can bring to the Penguins’ lineup.

Now 30 years old, Kuzmenko is expected to be an important part of Pittsburgh’s forward group, but the organization has made it clear that his well-being and that of his family come first. The loss of his father adds an emotional layer to a season of change for the veteran, who is navigating both a new team and a significant personal loss.

The Penguins did not provide details on how long Kuzmenko will remain in Moscow or when he will rejoin the club. The team reiterated its support for the player and asked fans and media alike to respect the privacy of the Kuzmenko family as they mourn Alexander’s passing.