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Andrei Kuzmenko Explains Why He Changed His Jersey Number With Penguins
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- Andrei Kuzmenko Explains Why He Changed His Jersey Number With Penguins
Andrei Kuzmenko Explains Why He Changed His Jersey Number With Penguins originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh . Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Andrei Kuzmenko aimed to make an impact with the Penguins after the team signed him in July. This season, the Russian will be playing for something bigger than himself.
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Kuzmenko has worn multiple numbers through his short career. He recently claimed No. 10 in Pittsburgh. Now, he will change his number to 62 to honor his family.
The 30-year-old just came back from his father's funeral. His father passed away at age 62 following a bear attack in Russia during a fishing trip. Kuzmenko's mother was also born in 1962, keeping their energy with him during the regular season.
"And now I understand this is my mother's birthday year, 62, and my father was 62 years when he died," Kuzmenko said via SB Nation . "And today we have (20)26 years, and I want to take 62 number."
Kuzmenko is entering his fifth NHL season. He signed an entry-level contract with the Canucks in 2022. He's since played for the Flames, Flyers, and Kings, spending the last two seasons with the latter.
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Last season, Kuzmenko scored 13 goals with 25 points, the most since the 2023-24 season.
Kuzmenko practiced with the Penguins on Friday and is likely to see some action Saturday when the team hosts the Canadiens in the home opener.
