The NHL Alumni Association announced Wednesday that former Toronto Maple Leafs Winger Sergei Berezin has died at the age of 52.
The Russian native was chosen in the 10th round of 1994 NHL Entry Draft in Toronto, making his league debut two years later.
He made an immediate impact, scoring 25 goals and being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Sergei Berezin of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 9, 1999 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. (Graig Abel/Getty Images)
His best season was 1998-99, when he scored 37 times while dishing out 22 assists and totaling 59 points, all career highs.
During that season, he scored six goals and had six assists in the playoffs, helping the Leafs reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Buffalo Sabres, who ultimately lost to THE Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup final.
Perhaps his most memorable moment came during that playoff series when he scored the series-winning goal with just over a minute left in the first round against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Sergei Berezin died at the age of 52. (Al Bello/Allsport)
CONN SMYTHE TROPHY WINNER CONNOR MCDAVID’S FIANCE REFLECTS ON STANLEY CUP LOSS: ‘HEARTBROKEN’
In 2001, he was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes, then to the Montreal Canadiens. The following season, he split his time between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals.
Berezin scored 126 goals and had 94 assists during his career.
He won a silver medal for the Soviet Union at the 1991 World Juniors.
After retiring, he “enjoyed coaching minor hockey, playing tennis and, most importantly, spending time with his family,” the league’s alumni association wrote.
Sergei Berezin has scored 126 goals and made 94 assists in his career. (Graig Abel/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We are incredibly saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Sergei Berezin,” the Leafs said in a statement on X. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
No cause of death has been revealed.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
