Andrei Kuzmenko, who is entering his fifth season in the NHL, is experience unimaginable loss ahead of the 2026-27 season.
According to a report from Russian news outlet Ren.tv, Alexander Kuzmenko, the father of the Pittsburgh Penguins foward, was killed while visiting the Tuva Republic, which is located in southern Siberia.
Kuzmenko was bit in the head by a bear that suddenly emerged from the forest and suffered “severe facial injuries, including extensive tissue damage.” Doctors were unable to save him. He was 62 years old.
MORE: Top 10 storylines entering 2026-27 NHL season
Alexander Kuzmenko is a renowned hockey coach who has trained KHL stars Nikita Korostelev and Daniil Grigoryev, among others. He was reportedly touring the area as part of a fishing trip.
NHL: Preseason-Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins
Sep 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko (10) warms up before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
A ban was put into place along the Bolshoy Yenisey River, where the fishing trip was taking place, a few days before the attack after increased reports of bears approaching the forested area.
According to the Ren.tv report, 2026 has been a record year for bear attacks on humans in Russia, with at least 15 people losing their lives in surrounding areas. Experts say the increase is due to “poor harvest of berries and pine nuts in the taiga: without their usual food before hibernation, the animals migrate en masse to populated areas, landfills, summer cottages, and farms in search of food.”
Our deepest condolences are with Kuzmenko’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
MORE: NHL fan nails center ice shot, but his celebration steals the show
Andrei Kuzmenko’s NHL Career
NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings
Apr 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Andrei Kuzmenko (96), center, celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period of game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
After playing for CSKA Moscow and SKA Saint Petersburg in Russia’s KHL, Kuzmenko joined the NHL in 2022 with the Vancouver Canucks. He then went on to play two seasons with the Calgary Flames, before a brief stint with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Kuzmenko got his career back on track with the Los Angeles Kings, before signing a one-year, $5 million deal with the Penguins on July 1, 2026.
Throughout his NHL career, Kuzmenko has recorded 182 points (85 goals and 97 assists) in 271 regular season games. He has recorded six points (3 goals and 3 assists) in seven playoff appearances with the Kings.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —