Sadly and tragically, former Penguins forward Konstantin Koltsov has passed away. He was just 42 years old.
One of a string of European stretch picks drafted in the first round by then-Pens GM Craig Patrick in the late 1990s…Robert Dome (’97) and Milan Kraft (’98) were the others…Koltsov was selected with the 18th overall pick in 1999.
The selection was met with raised eyebrows…Koltsov had yet to display a scoring touch in the Russian League (now the KHL). However, the Belarus native and nascent breakaway threat could skate like the wind. Unfortunately, much like future black-and-gold teammate Rico Fata, his hands would never keep pace with his feet.
After skating predominantly with the Baby Pens in his first season in North America in ’02-03 save for a cup of coffee with the big club, the left-handed shooting right wing played 82 games for the Pens in ’03-04 and tallied nine goals, 20 assists and 29 points. Numbers that would prove to be his high-water mark in the NHL.
After skating with Moscow Spartak during the ’04-05 lockout season, the then 24-year-old winger returned to the Pens. However, his numbers dipped to three goals and nine points in 60 games in ’05-06, effectively bringing his pro career on this side of the pond to an end.
In addition to his blazing speed and hustling style of play, he’s best remembered in the ‘Burgh for being one of three black-and-gold players to wear No. 71. Defenseman Jiri Slegr and, of course, Evgeni Malkin being the others.
After washing out with the Pens, Koltsov returned to the Russian League/KHL in ’06-07, where he became a fixture for several teams over the next 11 seasons.
More recently, he was a coach and loving boyfriend to world-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka.
Our prayers and condolences go out to his loved ones and family.
