Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Serghei Berezin has died at the age of 52

TORONTO — Sergei Berezin, who played five of his seven NHL seasons with Toronto and was a reliable scorer for the Maple Leafs, has died at age 52.

The NHL Alumni Association announced Berezin’s death in a social media post on Wednesday. No cause of death was provided.

Berezin, of Voskresensk, Russia, was selected by the Maple Leafs in the 10th round, 256th overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.

He played five seasons with the Maple Leafs, surpassing the 20-goal mark in four of them.

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

His best season came in 1998-99 when he set career highs with 37 goals and 59 points. He added six goals and six assists in 17 playoff games as the Leafs advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to Buffalo in five games.

One of his most memorable goals came in the first round against Philadelphia that season. He scored with a minute left in Game 6 as the Leafs clinched the series with a 1–0 victory.

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

Had 286 points (160 goals, 126 assists) in 502 career NHL games with Toronto, Phoenix, Montreal, Chicago and Washington and added 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 52 playoff games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 26, 2024.

The Canadian Press