Penguins' Andrei Kuzmenko Takes Leave of Absence After His Father Was Killed in Bear Attack

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko is taking a leave of absence from the team following the death of his father, Alexander.

The Athletic's Josh Yohe said team officials confirmed the death was the result of a bear attack in Siberia.

"The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened, this morning, to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko's father, Alexander," general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement on Thursday. "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."

Wes Crosby of NHL.com noted Kuzmenko practiced with the Penguins on Thursday before leaving for Russia.

Crosby also described Alexander Kuzmenko as "a respected hockey coach in Russia."

Andrei Kuzmenko has been in the NHL since the 2022-23 season and has suited up for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings. He tallied 25 points on 13 goals and 12 assists last season for the Kings.

However, his 2025-26 campaign was cut short after 52 games because of a knee injury that required surgery.

Kuzmenko joined the Penguins this offseason on a one-year, $5 million deal.

Pittsburgh starts its regular season on Sept. 30 against the Flyers.