Jets goaltender Berdin headed to Russia this season, agent says

Mikhail Berdin will not remain with the Winnipeg Jets for the 2022-23 season, the team announced Thursday.

In a statement, the team said the goaltender’s departure is based on the recommendation of the NHL/NHLPA substance abuse and behavioural health program.

According to a tweet from Berdin’s agent, Dan Milstein, the 24-year-old is returning to Russia to be closer to family and will play in the KHL this season.

The Jets said Berdin will be treated as a suspended player for contract purposes, so he won’t be paid by the team and his salary won’t count against the salary cap.

Berdin will be permitted to sign a one-year contract to play outside of North America this season, as part of an agreement between the team, league and players’ association.

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Berdin was selected by the Jets in the sixth round of the 2016 draft and has played more than 100 games for the Manitoba Moose.

1:39 Moose Mikhail “Birdman” Berdin flied the coop to pursue NHL dream