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.
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.