Jets release goalie based on advice from NHL's Substance Abuse Program

Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has announced that the team has released goaltender Mikhail Berdin from his contract based on advice from the NHL's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Program.

From the Jets' official announcement:

WINNIPEG, October 6, 2022 - The Winnipeg Jets announced today that goaltender Mikhail Berdin, per the advice and recommendation of the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, will not remain with the club for the 2022-23 National Hockey League season.

The rights of the club and player will be consistent with the treatment of a suspended player, so he will not be paid by the club and his salary will not count against the salary cap. As part of an agreement between the club, NHL, NHLPA and the player, Berdin will be permitted to sign a one-year contract to play outside of North America for the 2022-23 season.

We can only speculate on Berdin's situation, which is unfair to both him and his family so all we'll say is that we wish him the best in however he elects to continue his career.

The 24 year old Russian netminder played 32 games with the Jets' AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose last season, putting up a 2.40 goals against average and .902 save percentage. He previously played pro hockey in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg and it's expected that he and his representation will seek employment in his native Russia for at least the 2022-23 season.

As mentioned in their release, the Jets will not be responsible for Berdin's contract and will face no salary cap penalties as a result of his release. In effect, he will become unsigned Jets property, similar to any of the team's other prospects who have yet to ink a contract.

As for how this affects the Jets' position in goal, they still have four goaltenders under contract with Connor Hellebuyck and David Rittich as the uncontested #1 and #2. At the AHL level they'll likely let the tandem of Arvid Holm and Oskari Salminen duke things out for playing time with the Moose. Incidentally, veteran goaltenders Calvin Pickard and Keith Kinkaid were placed on waivers earlier today. It'll be interesting to see if the Jets make a claim on either netminder.