Konstantin Koltsov, Former Penguins Player and Boyfriend of Aryna Sabalenka, Dead at 42

Mar. 15, 2025

Konstantin Koltsov, a former hockey star who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and competed in two Olympics, has died. He was 42.

The Penguins also acknowledged his death with astatement posted to social media. “The Penguins extended their deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Penguins forward, Konstantin Koltsov,” they said.

Konstantin Koltsov and Aryna Sabalenka.Aryna Sabalenka/Instagram

Aryna Sabalenka/Instagram

Koltsov was first drafted into the NHL in 1999. He was part of the Pittsburgh Penguins for three seasons, from 2002 to 2006. He played 144 NHL games, according to the team.

He later played for the Kontinental Hockey League, from 2008 to 2016, before officially retiring from the sport in November 2016.

Since 2021, the former hockey player has been dating professional tennis playerAryna Sabalenka, who is ranked No. 2 in the world.

Konstantin Koltsov and Aryna Sabalenka.Aryna Sabalenka Instagram

They went Instagram official with their relationship in June 2021, as Sabalenka, 25, shared aphotoof Koltsov kissing her cheek. “It’s good when there is someone who is able to understand my madness😅,” she wrote in the caption. “But you won’t get bored with me, right @koltsov2021 ? 🤣❤️."

On Koltsov’s birthday in April, Sabalenka shared a sweetvideomontage of clips of the couple together and photos of them, writing in the caption, “Happy birthday my love❤️🙈❤️HB❤️. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support❤️❤️🥰. I hope we will have everything we planned❤️ I love you 😘😘😘.”

Konstantin Koltsov in 2004.Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios

Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios

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Koltsov reportedly has three children from a previous relationship: sons Daniel, Alexander and Stefan.

On Instagram, Sabalenka hasshared rare glimpsesinto her life with Koltsov’s children, including a sweet photo with his youngest son, Stefan. She also once wrote of his youngest son, “Stefan loves me,” in a reply to a follower’s question during a Q&A on her Instagram Story in December 2022.

source: people.com