Kuzmenko set for Penguins debut after rejoining team

Andrei Kuzmenko is set to make his Pittsburgh Penguins debut against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday after rejoining the team following the death of his father, Alexander.

The Penguins reported that Kuzmenko traveled home September 24 and practiced with the club Friday. General manager Kyle Dubas had said he would return when he was ready, with the organization’s support.

Kuzmenko has switched from No. 10 to No. 62 to honor his parents. The team said the number reflects his mother’s birth year, 1962, and his father’s age when he died.

Pittsburgh’s home opener at PPG Paints Arena begins at 7 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. MDT. The Penguins also listed David Gustafsson as a forward looking to make his team debut.

The Penguins opened the season with a 7–0 win in Philadelphia. TSP’s opening-night recap covers Nicholas Robertson’s two goals and Arturs Silovs’ 19-save shutout.