Berezin was just 52 years old.
The hockey world is mourning the sudden passing of former Toronto Maple Leafs forward and NHL alumni Sergei Berezin.
The NHL Alumni Association announced his death in a social media post on Wednesday
Berezin was drafted in the 10th round but after putting up phenomenal numbers in the Russian and German leagues, the Maple Leafs signed the talented forward to a contract. He made his NHL debut in the 1996-97 season and scored 25 goals in his rookie season.
Berezin spent five of his seven NHL seasons in Toronto and was known for his speed and scoring ability. He scored six goals during Toronto's 1999 playoff run, which saw them reach the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in five years.
No cause of death was revealed for Berezin, but 52 is quite young.
Berezin also had brief NHL stops with the Montreal Canadiens, Phoenix Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals. He had 286 points (160 goals, 126 assists) over 502 career games in that span.
We at The Hockey News extend our condolences to the family and friends of Berezin at this time.
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