Mikhail Berdin addresses his Substance Abuse Program situation

It was reported yesterday that Winnipeg Jets goaltender Mikhail Berdin will not be with the club this season per the advice and recommendation of the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program. 

However, according to Jets beat writer for the Winnipeg Sun, Berdin's situation doesn't actually involve substance abuse. 

And now, a recent Russian conducted in Russian gave Berdin a chance to directly address the situation, and according to him, he explains his participation in the program is voluntary.

Per the translation: 

Q: The Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, under which your contract with Winnipeg is suspended, usually involves a drug or alcohol problem. Is this your case?

"You can get into this program for a number of reasons, including psychological problems. My participation in this program is voluntary. This is solely my initiative, not the club's.

Q: Does this mean you have some psychological problem? 

"I don't have psychological problems. I am happy to be returning home. I expressed it to the club in such a way that I want to return to my family at such a difficult time. Now I want to be with my family and with my homeland." 

The rest of the interview: 

We certainly wish Berdin the best with his current situation.