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Andrei Kuzmenko returned to Pittsburgh Penguins practice on Friday, October 2, after taking time away to be with his family following his father’s death. The Penguins said he was back on the ice with the team ahead of Saturday’s home opener against Montreal; an NHL status report said he was expected to make his Penguins debut, but did not confirm he would play.
Why Kuzmenko was away from the Penguins
Kuzmenko left Pittsburgh for Russia on September 24 after the team learned his father had died. The Penguins said he had practiced with teammates that morning before traveling and that the organization supported him and his family. In its September 24 report, the NHL attributed further details about the death to Russian outlet Ren.tv; those details have not been independently confirmed in the Penguins report. The team’s September 24 announcement includes the club’s statement of support from general manager Kyle Dubas.
He returned to practice on October 2
The Penguins reported that Kuzmenko had rejoined the team and skated with the group on Friday. Head coach Dan Muse said, “We’re really happy that he’s back here – just being in the building, around his teammates, and getting to skate.” Kuzmenko also said he had missed his teammates and hockey as he returned to work. Pittsburgh’s October 2 report documents his return.
Was Kuzmenko expected to play against Montreal?
Yes—the NHL’s October 3 status report said Kuzmenko was expected to make his Penguins debut against the Canadiens in Pittsburgh’s home opener. That was a pregame expectation, not confirmation of a lineup spot or game appearance. The reporting available at that time does not establish whether he ultimately played. The NHL status report also records that Pittsburgh signed him to a one-year, $5 million contract on July 1, 2026.
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Why Kuzmenko changed to No. 62
Kuzmenko had worn No. 10 and switched to No. 62 with Pittsburgh. In the Penguins’ October 2 report, he explained that the number honors his family: his mother was born in 1962, and his father was 62 when he died.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Kuzmenko’s recent NHL production
As background in its September 24 report, the NHL listed Kuzmenko with 25 points—13 goals and 12 assists—in 52 games for the Los Angeles Kings during the 2025–26 season, before February knee surgery. The same report gave his career totals at that point as 182 points, including 85 goals and 97 assists, in 271 regular-season games. These are figures reported on September 24, 2026, not updated season or career totals.
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