The NHL announced that Pittsburgh Penguin’s Andrei Kuzmenko is taking a leave of absence after the death of his father, Alexander.
NHL.com reports Alexander Kuzmenko, 62, was attacked by a bear while fishing in the Tuva Republic in southern Siberia on Tuesday. Although his group chased the bear off, Alexander died in intensive care after being airlifted to a hospital in Kyzyl.
According to Sports.ru’s Artem Serikov, local authorities had imposed restrictions in the area due to a recent surge in bear encounters. 2026 has been a record-breaking year for bear attacks in Russia, with at least 15 victims, according to TASS — a state-owned news agency — due to crop failures of the local bears’ main food sources.
Alexander was a coach and recognizable figure in the Russian hockey community, coaching for 29 years and mentoring players such as Nikita Korostelev (KHL), Daniil Grigoriev (KHL), and Alexander Pelevin (VHL) along with his son.
Kuzmenko practiced with the team this morning before leaving for Russia to mourn the loss.
“Kuzy wanted to skate with the team. He wanted to be with his teammates. That’s why he was out there,” head coach Dan Muse shared, per NHL.com’s Wes Crosby.
“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.”
Director of Minor League Operations and WBS Assistant GM Amanda Kessel echoed those sentiments during a previously scheduled media availability.
“I just want to give our grace to Andrei Kuzmenko and his family,” Kessel said. “From a management perspective, Kyle talked to him this morning and let him know that whatever he needs, we’re there for him and his family. However long it takes, we’ll do what we can to support him. But obviously very tragic, and the organization will be behind him and his family.”
The Russian Hockey Federation also expressed their condolences, calling it a “heavy loss for the Russian hockey community.”
“The Russian Hockey Federation expresses its deepest condolences to Andrei Kuzmenko and his family members in connection with the premature death of the athlete’s father … The staff of the Russian Hockey Federation wishes spiritual strength to the relatives of Alexander Grigorievich in this difficult time for the family,” the statement reads, as translated by Google Translate.
Kuzmenko signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Penguins this offseason. Through four NHL seasons, he has recorded 188 points (88 goals, 100 assists) in 278 games.
