Former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov has tragically passed away at just 42 years, as announced by his former team in Russia, Salavat Yulaev, on Tuesday. Konstantin Koltsov was also dating, tennis pro, Aryna Sabalenka.
Aryna Sabalenka is currently in Miami for the WTA 1000 event where she’s seeded second. Her boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, came along to support her. But things took a tragic turn when the devastating news broke on the internet.
Before death, Koltsov served as an assistant coach for the Russian team Salavat Yulaev, having participated in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
Salavat Yulaev officials expressed their sorrow, describing Koltsov as a strong and cheerful person who was beloved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans alike. They noted that he had left a mark on the history of their club and wished him eternal peace.
The passing of Konstantin Koltsov has sadly been confirmed by the official telegram channel of his club Salavat Yulaev where he worked as an assistant coach https://t.co/emZaS9f1JV pic.twitter.com/Ia8PW9JxqK
— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) March 19, 2024
Cause of Death: Konstantin Koltsov
Although not confirmed as the official reason for his passing, Belarusian outlet Telegraf stated that Koltsov’s death in Miami was attributed to a “detached blood clot.”
Konstantin Koltsov’s NHL Career
Koltsov had a stint in the NHL that lasted parts of three seasons, from 2002 to 2006, playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here’s a closer look at his journey in the NHL:
Koltsov was selected 18th overall in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Initially, Koltsov played in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins during the 2002-03 season.
He made it onto the full-time roster of the NHL team in the 2003-04 season, playing in all 82 games and recording 9 goals and 20 assists.
During the NHL lockout in the 2004-05 season, Koltsov had to play for Spartak Moscow in Russia due to the league’s suspension.
He returned to the NHL for the 2005-06 season, but his playing time was split between the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He ended the season with the NHL club, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists.
