Welcome to another edition of NHL Signing News here at Last Word on Sports. Whenever a notable player puts pen to paper, we bring you the latest details and analysis. Today’s focus is on veteran winger Andrei Kuzmenko signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins after reaching unrestricted free agency this summer.
Credit Image: Kostas Lymperopoulos/CSM via ZUMA Wire
Andrei Kuzmenko Signs with Pittsburgh Penguins
Contract: One year
AAV: $5 million
Winger Andrei Kuzmenko signs a new contract with the Penguins, giving the club an experienced offensive forward capable of contributing in a top-six role. The signing comes after Kuzmenko completed the final year of his previous contract and entered free agency following another season that showcased his offensive instincts and finishing touch.
Kuzmenko appeared in 52 games during the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Kings, recording 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points. Although his production has fluctuated since arriving in the NHL, he remains a skilled scorer with the ability to make an impact at even strength and on the power play.
Career Background and Playing Profile
Kuzmenko arrived in North America from the KHL ahead of the 2022-23 season and immediately established himself as one of the league’s most productive rookies. He scored 39 goals and added 35 assists for 74 points with the Vancouver Canucks before later spending time with the Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings.
Standing five-foot-11 and weighing nearly 200 pounds, Kuzmenko relies on skill, hockey sense, and exceptional hands rather than physical play. His scouting profile highlights his elite finishing ability around the net, where he consistently capitalizes on scoring chances through quick releases and outstanding puck control in tight spaces.
Despite moving between multiple teams over the past several seasons, Kuzmenko’s offensive talent remains evident. HockeyStats projects him as an 84th percentile WAR player entering next season, driven by above-average offensive play and strong finishing metrics. When surrounded by skilled playmakers, he has repeatedly shown the ability to produce top-six offence.
Power play goal for Los Angeles!Scored by Andrei Kuzmenko with 09:33 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala.Los Angeles: 2Seattle: 3#SEAvsLAK #GoKingsGo #SeaKraken
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-02-05T04:40:00.230725Z
What This Means for [INSERT TEAM]
For [INSERT TEAM], this signing adds a proven scoring winger with the ability to provide secondary offence and improve the club’s power play. Kuzmenko offers creativity, finishing ability, and experience that can complement skilled centres and offensive-minded linemates.
While he is unlikely to become a shutdown forward or physical presence, Kuzmenko’s value comes from his ability to convert scoring opportunities at a high rate. If deployed in an offensive role with consistent top-six minutes, he has the potential to become an important contributor as [INSERT TEAM] looks to strengthen its forward group heading into the upcoming season.
Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
