Andrei Kuzmenko is taking a leave of absence from the Pittsburgh Penguins after the forward’s father was killed in a bear attack back in his home country of Russia earlier this week.
According to Russian news source REN TV, Alexander Kuzmenko — a renowned hockey coach — was identified as the tourist who died after a bear attack in Tuva, Russia.
How did the bear attack happen?
Alexander, 62, is the father of NHL veteran Andrei Kuzmenko, a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
According to the outlet, Alexander was with several friends on a fishing trip to the Bolshoy Yenisey River in southern Siberia when the attack occurred on Wednesday.
“A bear suddenly emerged from the forest, attacked the tourist (Kuzmenko) and bit him on the head,” the outlet reported on Thursday morning.
“The victim’s companions managed to drive the animal away, provide first aid, and call an ambulance.
The attack reportedly left Kuzmenko with severe facial injuries, including extensive tissue damage and he later died of the injuries after being airlifted to a hospital.
The outlet also reported that a ban had been in place in the area due to increased reports of bears approaching populated areas.
Did Andrei Kuzmenko comment on the attack?
Andrei participated in practice on Thursday morning before departing to Russia.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened, this morning, to learn of the passing of Andrei Kuzmenko’s father, Alexander,” Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement. “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.
“Andrei chose to be surrounded by his teammates and practice with the team this morning before returning to Moscow to be with his family this afternoon. Andrei and the Kuzmenko family have the full support of the Penguins organization during this time.”
Who is Andrei Kuzmenko?
Andrei signed a one-year, $5-million US contract with the Penguins over the off-season.
He had played the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Kings after having previously suited up for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers over his first three seasons in the NHL.
Prior to coming to North America, Kuzmenko had played eight seasons in Russia’s KHL, becoming a star with St. Petersburg SKA.
The Penguins open their 2026-27 NHL season next Wednesday against the Flyers, but it is unclear if Kuzmenko will be in the lineup.