Andrei Kostitsyn Biography: Net Worth, Wife, Height, Transfers, Religion Strengths, Age, Ice Hockey

Andrei Olegovich Kostitsyn is a Belarusian former professional ice hockey forward who played in both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Known by his nickname “AK-46” — a nod to his initials and jersey number — he gained recognition for his strong shot, physical play, and offensive skill.

Drafted tenth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Kostitsyn became one of the highest-drafted Belarusian players in NHL history and went on to enjoy a successful international and club career.

Profile

• Full name: Andrei Olegovich Kostitsyn
• Nickname: AK-46
• Date of birth: 3 February 1985
• Age: 40 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Novopolotsk, Belarusian SSR, Soviet Union
• Nationality: Belarusian
• Profession: Professional ice hockey forward (retired)
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
• Weight: 214 lbs (97 kg)
• Eye color: Light blue
• Hair color: Light brown
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: Younger brother Sergei Kostitsyn (also a professional hockey player and teammate in Montreal and for Belarus)
• Spouse: Married
• Children: Two
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christian
• Ethnicity: Belarusian (Slavic)
• Net worth: US$18 million

Early Life and Education

Andrei Kostitsyn was born on 3 February 1985 in Novopolotsk, a small industrial city in the Vitebsk Region of Belarus.His father worked at a local chemical plant, and his mother was employed in community services.Growing up during the Soviet-to-post-Soviet transition period, Kostitsyn and his younger brother Sergei developed a shared passion for hockey early in life.

They trained at Polimir Novopolotsk, a youth sports club known for producing future professionals.Andrei showed remarkable skill from childhood, particularly his powerful wrist shot and puck control, which earned him national youth team invitations.

He later moved to Russia to play for CSKA Moscow at the junior level, where he refined his skills before entering the 2003 NHL Draft.

He did not pursue formal higher education, dedicating his formative years entirely to his hockey career.

Personal Life

Andrei Kostitsyn is a private individual who rarely discusses his personal affairs publicly.

He is married and has two children, and the family maintains residences in Minsk, Belarus, and Sochi, Russia.

Off the ice, Kostitsyn enjoys fishing, cars, and outdoor sports, and is fluent in Belarusian, Russian, and English.

Career

Andrei Kostitsyn began his professional career in Belarus with Polimir Novopolotsk before joining CSKA Moscow in the Russian Superleague (RSL).

His talent quickly caught international attention, and in 2003, he was selected 10th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL Entry Draft — the highest Belarusian draft position at the time.

He made his NHL debut in 2005, gradually becoming a key contributor to the Canadiens’ offense.

His breakout season came in 2007–08, when he tallied 26 goals and 27 assists in 78 games, earning praise for his scoring instincts and physical presence.

After nearly seven seasons with Montreal, Kostitsyn was traded to the Nashville Predators in February 2012, where he reunited with his brother Sergei.

Following his NHL stint, Kostitsyn transitioned to the KHL, playing for teams including:

• Traktor Chelyabinsk
• HC Sochi
• Kunlun Red Star (China)
• Dinamo Minsk (Belarus)
• HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
• He represented Belarus internationally, appearing in multiple IIHF World Championships and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where he was one of Belarus’s top scorers.

Known for his aggressive offensive play, sturdy build, and right-hand shot, Kostitsyn’s versatility allowed him to play both wings effectively.

Net Worth

Andrei Kostitsyn’s estimated net worth is approximately US$18 million.

Kostitsyn’s net worth primarily stems from his NHL and KHL contracts, which together totaled over US$15 million in career earnings.

Social Media

• Instagram: @andrei_kostitsyn_official