Dan Muse Provides Andrei Kuzmenko Update Ahead of Penguins' Road Trip
Kuzmenko rejoined the team after losing his father in a bear attack on Sept. 22. He won't take part in Pittsburgh's next two matches.
Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko is currently on a leave of absence following the death of his father, Alexander, in a fishing accident on September 22. Coach Dan Muse has reassured fans that he is not putting pressure on Kuzmenko to return to play. Alexander, a respected hockey coach in Russia, passed away while fishing in Siberia due to a bear.
Kuzmenko recently returned to the United States from Russia, where he spent time grieving with his family. The Penguins have granted Kuzmenko non-roster status ahead of their road trip. Muse acknowledged Kuzmenko's commendable actions in returning to his family during this difficult time. He anticipates that Kuzmenko will begin skating work to regain his fitness and build towards making his regular-season debut.
The Penguins' head coach stated that his top priority is to be there for Kuzmenko as a human being and work with him to regain his strength after this tragic event.
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