Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov dies at 21 after brain tumour diagnosis
Drafted 15th overall in 2020, winger sat out last season to get treatment and recover
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour last year. He was 21.
The Maple Leafs confirmed the left-winger died Monday in Munich, Germany, where he had been receiving treatment. They also posted a tribute to Amirov on Scotiabank Arena’s outdoor video board.
“The entire Maple Leafs organization is devastated by this tragic loss,” said Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan in a statement. “Over the duration of his courageous battle, Rodion’s positivity inspired everyone around him, and he made lasting impressions with our team and fans in his brief visits to Toronto.”
Amirov signed a three-year entry-level contract with Toronto in April 2021 after being selected 15th overall by the NHL club in the 2020 draft.
Former Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas announced in February 2022 that Amirov had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and was undergoing treatment. He missed the entire 2022-23 season as he underwent treatment and recovery.
“The optimism and amazing outlook on life throughout Rodion’s battle were unwavering and incredible,” Dubas, now president of hockey operations and GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins, said in a statement. “Personally, I am so sad for the loss of such a wonderful young man with so much potential.
“His unabashed positivity — even when faced with an awful diagnosis — will stay with me forever. Rodion was such an example of courage, and I am certain that his spirit has touched, and will live on in, everyone lucky enough to have known him.”
Amirov went to Toronto for four rounds of chemotherapy last fall and attended the Maple Leafs 2022-23 home opener against Washington, where he received an ovation from the crowd when announced as an honourary member of the playing roster.
“It’s incredibly hard to comprehend the loss of Rodion,” Maple Leafs captain John Tavares said on social media. “His smile and joy for life and hockey was infectious.
