"Why skate around and do something I don't like anymore," Berglund said in comments published Friday by Hockeypuls, a Swedish website. "When you feel as bad as I did and feel what I feel today... I really feel I've taken the right decision.
"Right now, I can't tell whether I will play again or not. I'm in the process of healing."
Berglund, a center in his first season with the Sabres, was suspended indefinitely for failure to report to the team on Dec. 15. He was placed on unconditional waivers four days later.
The 30-year-old played the first 10 seasons of his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues, but was traded to Buffalo with forwards Vladimir Sobotka and Tage Thompson, St. Louis' first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft and the Blues' second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft for center Ryan O'Reilly on July 1, 2018.
Berglund said even the five-year contract with an annual average value of $3.85 million he signed on Feb. 24, 2017, could keep him motivated to play.
"Money is the last thing that means something to me right now," he said.
Berglund, who had four points (two goals, two assists) in 23 games for the Sabres, said they had nothing to do with his decision.
"I want to say that I'm really sorry about leaving and letting Buffalo down as a team," said Berglund, who has 326 points (170 goals, 156 assists) in 717 games with the Blues and Sabres. "The players were wonderful, and I wish the players and the organization nothing but the best in the future. They have not done anything wrong."
Sabres coach Phil Housley called what happened with Berglund unfortunate and wished him well.
"Personally, Patrik is a terrific guy. He meant well," Housley told the Buffalo News before the Sabres played the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on Friday (10 p.m. ET; SNP, MSG +, NHL.TV). "He was a team player. Great teammate."
Berglund said he won't play again this season and isn't sure what the future holds.
"I don't want to say that this is the end for me," Berglund said. "I hope I can find the joy to play again.
"This season is completely done. There won't be any more hockey for me this season. Right now I need a lot of help and a chance to get away from hockey."
