Former NHL star Sergei Berezin dies suddenly at age 52 in Florida, where the Russian star was happily ‘spending time with his family’ in retirement

According to multiple reports, former NHL winger Sergei Berezin has died suddenly at the age of 52, exactly 20 years after retiring from professional hockey.

The NHL Alumni Association announced Berezin’s death in a social media post on Wednesday, with the cause of death yet to be determined.

Berezin is said to be happily living in Florida, coaching hockey, playing tennis and spending time with his family, the news release said.

He was drafted as the 256th overall pick in the 10th round of the 1994 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, out of Voskresenk, Russia.

Berezin played five seasons with the Maple Leafs, scoring more than twenty goals in four of them.

Sergei Berezin was retired in Florida and living with his family on Wednesday

“We are incredibly saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Sergei Berezin,” the Leafs said in a statement about X. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Berezin’s best season came in 1998-99, when he set career highs with 27 goals and 59 points. He also scored six goals in 17 playoff games, as the Leafs advanced to the Eastern Conference finals before being eliminated by Buffalo in five games.

One of Berezin’s most memorable goals came in the first round against Philadelphia. He scored with a minute left in Game 6, leading to the Leafs winning the series 1–0.

Berezin was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes for Mikael Renberg after the 2000-01 season.

In total, he had 286 points (160 goals, 126 assists) in 502 career NHL games with Toronto, Phoenix, Montreal, Chicago and Washington.

Berezin also added 13 goals and 17 assists in 52 playoff games.