President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas said the Pittsburgh Penguins organization was deeply saddened 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 said in a statement.
“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 had this to say when she met with the media for a previously scheduled availability:
“I just want to give our grace to Andrei Kuzmenko and his family. 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.”
Kuzmenko is in his first season with the Penguins organization after signing a one-year contract on July 1.
