Wisecracking ‘keeper confident he’s ready for NHL

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This article was published 01/10/2021 (1486 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s a hard-knock life being an NHL goalie in waiting. Just ask Mikhail Berdin.

Forget the rigours of NHL training camp under constant threat of demotion, there’s the risk of getting bombarded by friendly fire. Last Sunday, the 23-year-old was watching intently from the Winnipeg bench when an errant puck off the stick of Jets winger Evgeny Svechnikov struck him in the face.

Spasibo (thanks), comrade.

“It’s Svechnikov. I think he didn’t work enough in the summer with his shot. I don’t know, just bad luck. I was on the bench. And Svech shoot in my eye,” Berdin said Friday, of his Russian compatriot.

While his English remains a work in progress, the wisecracks come through loud and clear.

“It’s the best restaurant dinner (from) him, for sure,” said Berdin. “I think I had big progress last year. I’m excited how I played. But I think I did lots of things to get better, to the level where I am right now and I think I’m ready to go.”

Self-assuredness is not in short supply from the 6-2, 170-pound netminder. He is, undoubtedly, third on the Jets pecking order, behind main man Connor Hellebuyck and backup Eric Comrie, yet he refuses to publicly concede that another season in the American Hockey League awaits.

“I just focused about myself. I don’t mind, really. I just try and keep push myself hard every day and I want to be in the NHL this year,” said Berdin, who is expected to start either tonight in Edmonton against the Oilers (6 p.m, TSN3) or Sunday when the Jets play the Canucks in Vancouver (6 p.m., SN).

Comrie will be given every opportunity to retain the role of Hellebuyck’s understudy, even though he has yet to demonstrate during his pro career he can hold down an NHL job for a long stretch.

Jets head coach Paul Maurice was reluctant to say how close Berdin is ascending past Comrie on the depth chart.

“I don’t know yet because I have to get him into NHL-type games. He will get a chance to play this weekend. I would say that no job is safe except that we want him playing a bunch of hockey games,” said Maurice. “But he’s been good. I agree with you, he’s a bright, bright man. If you can be funny in more than one language, you’re smart. If you’re funny in more than one language, man, you’re sharp.”

Over the last three campaigns with the Manitoba Moose, Berdin has suited up for 95 games, going 45-43-5. He had a hectic 2019-20 season, playing 42 (20-21-1) with a 2.89 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.

He signed a new two-year contract extension last December, with an average annual value in the NHL of US$750,000. The extension includes a two-way deal for the upcoming season and a one-way deal in 2022-23.

Berdin said he focused on strength and conditioning during the offseason, while sharpening his focus.

“I think I did better mentally. I understand what things I need to do right now,” he said. “It’s in my head right now. I think everything’s good right now

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The Jets released goalie Philippe Desrosiers and forwards Haralds Egle and Evan Polei on Friday. All three were on pro tryouts with the club.

Winnipeg has 39 players left in training camp.

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The AHL’s Manitoba Moose will open training camp, their first under newly installed head coach Mark Morrison, on Monday at Bell MTS Place. The first workout is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Skates are open to the public are subject to current health and safety guidelines.

An instrasquad game is planned for Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. at Bell MTS Place.

The Moose also have a scrimmage planned with the University of Manitoba Bisons on Monday, Oct. 11 at Canada Life Centre. Game time is 2 p.m.

— Free Press staff