🔥 Trending Who is Andrei Kuzmenko? Penguins Sign Forward to One-Year Contract

Andrei Kuzmenko is a Russian professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a forward in the National Hockey League (NHL) ⁸. He recently gained significant attention due to his signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins ¹²³.

Who is Andrei Kuzmenko?

Andrei Kuzmenko is a 30-year-old ⁶ left wing known for his offensive skills. He stands at 5'11" and weighs 200 pounds ⁶. Before joining the NHL, Kuzmenko had a notable career in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), playing for teams like CSKA Moscow and SKA Saint Petersburg ⁸.

NHL Career and Recent Developments

Kuzmenko's NHL journey began with the Vancouver Canucks ⁸. He has since played for the Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and most recently, the Los Angeles Kings ⁸. During the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Kings, he recorded 13 goals and 25 points in 52 games ⁶.

Signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins

On July 1, 2026, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced they had signed Kuzmenko to a one-year contract ¹². This deal is reportedly worth $5 million ²³. The signing was announced by Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the Penguins ¹. This move comes as the Penguins look to strengthen their roster, with some reports suggesting Kuzmenko is seen as a replacement for Anthony Mantha ²⁵.

Despite his offensive talent, Kuzmenko has been noted for being among the NHL's slower skaters ³. This "show-me deal" ⁵ with the Penguins presents an opportunity for him to prove his value and potentially follow a similar path to other players who have found success with the team ⁵.