Mikhail Berdin attributed his departure from Winnipeg to psychological prob
To do this, he participated in a substance abuse program.
Russian goalie Mikhail Berdin will not play in the Winnipeg Jets system for the 2022/23 season.
The reason was a recommendation from the NHL's substance abuse program, the club's press office reported without giving details.
As the goalie himself stated, his participation in this program was formal - he has no problems with alcohol or psychotropic drugs: participation in it provided an opportunity to go to Russia to be closer to his family, without which it was psychologically difficult for him.
"You can get into this program for a variety of reasons, including psychological problems. My participation in this program is voluntary," he told Sport24.
Berdin's rights will remain with Winnipeg, but he has been given the opportunity to sign a one-year contract outside of North America. According to media reports, the goalie will continue his career in Sochi.