Former Pittsburgh Penguins winger and KHL standout Konstantin Koltsov passed away on Monday at the age of 42, as confirmed by a statement from his Russian club, Salavat Yulaev, where he served as an assistant coach.
The exact cause of Koltsov’s death has not been disclosed. Reports from Belarus Hockey indicated that he was in Miami at the time of his passing.
Koltsov played for the Penguins from 2003 to 2006, notably during their Generation X era, showcasing exceptional speed and talent on the ice. In his NHL career, he tallied 38 points and scored 12 goals across 144 games. His professional career continued in the KHL, with his last season played for Minsk Dynamo in 2015-16.
Salavat Yulaev’s statement expressed deep sorrow over Koltsov’s passing, describing him as a resilient and beloved figure within the team and the broader hockey community. The Pittsburgh Penguins also offered their condolences to Koltsov’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Beyond his hockey career, Koltsov represented Belarus at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2010. He was also known for his relationship with Aryna Sabalenka, the former No. 1 ranked women’s tennis player in the world.
