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

Former NHL winger Sergei Berezin has suddenly died at age 52, exactly two decades after retiring from professional hockey, according to multiple reports. 

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

Berezin was believed to be happily living in Florida, coaching minor hockey, playing tennis and spending time with his family, according to the press release.

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 over 20 goals 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. 'Our thoughts are with his family and friends during 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 final before being eliminated by Buffalo in five games.

One of Berezin's most memorable goals came in the first round against Philadelphia as he scored with a minute remaining in Game 6, which led to the Leafs clinching the series with a 1-0 win.

Berezin was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes for Mikael Renberg after the 2000-2001 season.

Overall, he had 286 points - 160 goals, 126 assists - over 502 career NHL games with Toronto, Phoenix, Montreal, Chicago and Washington. 

Berezin added 13 goals and 17 assists over 52 playoff games, as well.