Following a two-year fight with a brain tumor, Rodion Amirov, whom the Toronto Maple Leafs selected in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft, passed dead. He was twenty-one.
Amirov’s Gold Star Hockey agent, Dan Milstein, broke the news of his passing on Monday afternoon.
With deep sorrow, we must inform you of Rodion Amirov’s demise. Rodion was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago. He refused to talk negatively as soon as he learned the news, choosing instead to embrace each day and approach it with the same optimism.
“We announce with great sadness Rodion Amirov’s passing,” stated Milstein. Rodion was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago. He refused to talk negatively as soon as he learned the news and made a conscious effort to enjoy each day, approaching it with the same upbeat outlook he displayed during his hockey career. We shall never forget his bravery, his ambition, his determination, his grin, and all of his wonderful qualities.
“We express our gratitude to his medical professionals for their excellent care,” Milstein said. We express our gratitude to the Toronto Maple Leafs and its KHL franchise, Salavat Yulayev Ufa. Both did everything they could to support Rodion and the Amirov family, lending a hand however they could. We also appreciate all of the hockey fans who have supported us and sent us well wishes over the last two years, from all around the world. The Amirov family valued them greatly.
Brendan Shanahan, the alternate governor and president of the Maple Leafs, also released a statement on Monday afternoon.
Shanahan wrote, “This tragic loss is devastating for the entire Maple Leafs organization.” “During his valiant fight, Rodion’s optimism uplifted everyone around him, and during his brief stays in Toronto, he left a lasting impression on our team and the fans.”To watch a young man who held so much promise snatched from us so quickly is heartbreaking. We share our condolences with Rodion’s friends and family as we all grieve his loss.
In 2020, Amirov was selected by the Maple Leafs with the fifteenth overall pick. During the 2020–21 KHL season, the six-foot winger scored nine goals and thirteen points in 39 games with Salavat Yulaev Ufa. On April 15, 2021, Amirov agreed to an entry-level, three-year contract with the Maple Leafs.
Then-Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said that Amirov had received a brain tumor diagnosis halfway through the 2021–2022 season. Amirov was sidelined for the remainder of the season at the time and was receiving therapy at a clinic in Germany.
At the beginning of the 2022–23 season, Amirov was in Toronto for a while. He took part in team drills at team facilities and witnessed enthusiastic cheers before the team’s home opener at Scotiabank Arena. In November 2022, he went back to Russia to receive more medical attention.
