Tocchet: Kuzmenko won't wear Pride warm-up jersey

VANCOUVER — Coach Rick Tocchet says Canucks forward Andrei Kuzmenko won't wear a themed warm-up jersey when Vancouver hosts its annual Pride night on Friday.

Tocchet says he respects the decision the Russian winger made in consultation with his family.

The jerseys, designed by local artist Christin Hryc, feature a rainbow and flowers across the Canucks' orca logo, and rainbow patches on the shoulders.

Kuzmenko, 27, has become a fan favourite in his first NHL season due to his wide smile and outgoing personality.

He has 37 goals and 31 assists in 73 games, and leads the Canucks in goals.

Kuzmenko joins a handful of NHL players who've declined to wear Pride jerseys this season, including Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov, San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer, Eric and Marc Staal of the Florida Panthers, and Buffalo Sabres blue liner Ilya Lyubushkin.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31, 2023.