PITTSBURGH, PA – Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko skates in the preseason NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres on September 21, 2026. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
No one ever expects to read ‘bear attack’ in a hockey headline, but that’s what’s happened with the Penguins this week. Andrei Kuzmenko, a key forward for the club, has left Pittsburgh on a personal leave after losing his father, Alexander, in an awful and rare tragedy back home in Russia. The elder Kuzmenko was on a fishing trip in Siberia with six friends when a bear attacked, biting him in the head and causing severe injuries. The remote forest location along the Krasnaya River made it nearly impossible for help to arrive quickly. Even after the group managed to drive the bear away and get Alexander airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl, he sadly did not survive. He was 62, remembered as a hockey coach back in Russia.
Andrei was still with the Penguins for their Thursday morning skate, choosing to be with teammates before flying out to Moscow later that day. The team has made it clear they’re backing him during this rough time. According to Yahoo Sports, general manager Kyle Dubas shared a heartfelt statement, emphasizing the organization’s support for the Kuzmenko family and asking for privacy as they grieve.
This personal blow for Kuzmenko comes at a major moment in his career. He joined the Penguins on a one-year, $5 million deal this summer, after stints with the Canucks, Flames, Flyers and Kings. If you’re backing the Penguins early this season, it’s worth remembering how off-ice tragedies can affect a player’s readiness and the team’s chemistry. Kuzmenko’s move to Pittsburgh was already a gamble—they brought him in for scoring depth and offensive spark right as the core ages out of its prime.
Andrei Kuzmenko has taken personal leave from the team after his father, Alexander, died from a bear attack in Russia.
A remote location and dense forest caused delays in getting medical help to Alexander.
Kuzmenko practiced with the Penguins Thursday morning before flying to Russia to be with family.
The Penguins have voiced full support for Kuzmenko, both publicly and internally.
The club signed Kuzmenko to a one-year, $5 million contract this off-season, seeking an offensive boost.
Pittsburgh opens their season next Wednesday against the Flyers, leaving some uncertainty around Kuzmenko’s return.
How does this affect the Penguins’ opener and your bets?
Losing a player like Kuzmenko, even short term, isn’t just a matter of moving lines around. Pittsburgh brought him in as a spark for a forward group needing firepower. A sudden loss and travel can impact not only Kuzmenko’s own timeline but team focus. Expect some roster adjustments and possible ice time opportunities for depth players, at least early in the campaign. For those eyeing player props or Penguins’ win totals next week, monitor Kuzmenko’s status right up to puck drop.
What the Penguins have said about supporting Kuzmenko
The Penguins’ general manager, Kyle Dubas, made a statement echoing the team’s emotions and trajectory of support: “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 underscored that Kuzmenko has the club’s complete backing to take care of family.
Kuzmenko’s path to Pittsburgh and role for 2026-27
Kuzmenko’s road to western Pennsylvania isn’t your everyday NHL story. He carved out eight years in Russia’s KHL before signing with Vancouver in 2022, bouncing between Calgary, Philadelphia and Los Angeles in the next two years. Each move meant new systems and expectations. Pittsburgh is betting he can slot in as a potent top-six option, and this off-ice news could challenge both his own preparation and how the team fills the gap.
Kuzmenko’s absence shakes up the Penguins’ preseason plans and possibly line combinations for opening night.
He’s coming in with a new contract and big expectations from the coaching staff and fans.
Depending on the length of his leave, Pittsburgh’s new forward depth will be tested early.
Pay attention when news breaks about his return—particularly if you’re making futures or fantasy bets tied to Penguins scorers.
Mental and emotional strain can matter as much as physical readiness after a personal tragedy, so don’t just look at stats when making wagers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Andrei Kuzmenko is on personal leave following the tragic death of his father, Alexander, who died after a bear attack in Siberia during a fishing trip.
Alexander Kuzmenko was attacked by a bear while fishing in a remote area of Siberia. Despite efforts by his companions and medical evacuation, he passed away due to his wounds.
Kuzmenko’s return date is not confirmed. His absence puts his availability for the season opener versus the Flyers in question.
The Penguins and their general manager, Kyle Dubas, have voiced their support, asking for privacy for the Kuzmenko family and stressing the team’s full backing for Andrei during this difficult time.
Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Penguins this summer, joining the team after stints with several NHL and KHL teams.
Kuzmenko’s absence could impact Pittsburgh’s early season lineup and offensive plans, creating opportunities for other players and potentially affecting betting angles.
Pittsburgh begins their 2026-27 NHL season next Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers.
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