Konstantin Koltsov, Former NHL Star & Ex of Aryna Sabalenka, Dies at 42

A wave of sorrow has hit the sports world. Konstantin Koltsov, an ex-NHL player, has passed away. He was just 42.

Koltsov, a Belarusian, was a professional ice hockey player. His death was confirmed by the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) team, Salavat Yulaev. He was more than just a player; he was also the boyfriend of tennis sensation, Aryna Sabalenka.

The team remembered him fondly. “He was a strong and cheerful person,” they said in a statement on March 18. Koltsov was not only a player for them but also served as an assistant coach.

He was cherished. Both by his teammates and fans. “Konstantin forever wrote himself into the history of our club,” the team’s statement continued.

His achievements were notable. He won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup with Salavat Yulaev. He also made significant contributions to the coaching staff.

The cause of his death? That’s still a mystery. No details have been shared yet.

Koltsov had a decorated career. He represented Belarus at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2010. He also had a stint with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins from 2003 to 2006.

The Penguins grieved his loss. They remembered him as their first-round draft choice in 1999. He played a total of 144 NHL games. Their statement read, “The Penguins extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Penguins forward, Konstantin Koltsov.”