Andrei Kuzmenko Granted Non-roster Leave By NHL

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko will not play against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday or the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday.

It came after the NHL granted Kuzmenko non-roster status. He played in the previous two games after being in Russia for his father's funeral. 

Penguins head coach Dan Muse confirmed after Wednesday's morning skate that Kuzmenko will get some work in during the road trip, but right now, it's about helping him. 

"I think with him, it's extremely commendable- everything that he did back home to be with his family, and then coming back and wanting to be with the group," Muse told reporters. "I said it before, just heartbroken for him, and just a tragic situation. Right now, I think for him, it's just kind of getting back up to speed, and so, he's with us on this trip. He's not going to be playing on the trip, but he's going to be skating and just getting some work in. Right now, it's just helping him."

Kuzmenko has no points in two games with the Penguins, but that will change once he returns to the lineup.

The Penguins will play the Capitals at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday night. You can watch the game on TNT.

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