Rodion Amirov, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-round pick in 2020, has passed away at the age of 21. The team made the announcement of his death.
“The entire Maple Leafs organization is devastated by this tragic loss,” said Brendan Shanahan, the president of the Maple Leafs, in a statement. “Over the course of his brave battle, Rodion’s positivity was an inspiration to everyone around him. He made a lasting impact on our team and fans during his short visits to Toronto.
“It is incredibly sad to see a young man with such potential taken from us so soon. We offer our deepest condolences to Rodion’s family and friends as we grieve this loss together.”
In February 2022, it was revealed that Amirov had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor was discovered during an examination for another injury.
Amirov did not play for the rest of the 2021-22 season with Salavat Yulaev in the KHL.
“From the moment he received the news, he refused to speak in negative terms and was determined to enjoy each day, facing it with the same positive attitude he displayed throughout his hockey career,” wrote Amirov’s agent, Dan Milstein, on Twitter. “We will always remember his courage, his desire, his will, his smile, and all the great things about him.”
Amirov arrived in Toronto to participate in the Maple Leafs’ training camp before the start of the 2022-23 season, but he later returned to his native Russia in November.
Amirov was selected by the Maple Leafs as the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. In 2021, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs after leading Russia in scoring at the World Junior Championship that same year.
The former first-round pick signed a one-year contract extension with Salavat Yulaev for the 2023-24 season, and he was set to be on loan from the Maple Leafs.
