60 Mikhail Berdin G

Winnipeg assigned Berdin to AHL Manitoba on Saturday.

The Jets added Anton Forsberg (COVID-19 protocols) to the active roster in a corresponding move, so they're no longer in need of Berdin's services as an emergency option in goal. The 22-year-old Russian will likely spend most of the 2020-21 campaign in the minors.

Berdin secured a two-year, $1.5 million contract extension with Winnipeg on Thursday.

Berdin's extension starts as a two-way contract in 2021-22 before converting to a one-way deal for the 2022-23 campaign. It seems the team believes Berdin will be ready to fill the backup role in the future, though in the meantime Laurent Brossoit will fill that role. Regardless of who the No. 2 is moving foward, starter Connor Hellebuyck figures to continue serving as the primary option for Winnipeg and should carry a heavy workload.

Berdin will start the 2020-21 campaign on loan with SKA St. Petersburg.

Berdin went 20-21-1 in 42 appearances for AHL Manitoba this season, posting a .910 save percentage and 2.89 GAA. If the Jets decide to part ways with Laurent Brossoit in free agency, it will likely be between Berdin and Eric Comrie for the backup job behind Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck.

Berdin will take part in the Young Stars Classic for the Jets.

A strong performance in the youth tournament by Berdin -- combined with the fact that restricted free agent Eric Comrie remains unsigned -- could earn the 20-year-old the starting job with AHL Manitoba. If he struggles, however, the organization may have to consider bringing in an outside netminder to help stabilize the minor-league goaltending situation.