Tragically, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has passed away at the age of 21 after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago. His agent, Dan Milstein, announced the news Monday afternoon.
“From the moment he received the news, he refused to speak in the negative, determined to enjoy every day, facing it with the same positive attitude he showed during his hockey career,” Milstein said. “We will always remember his courage, his desire, his will, his smile, all of the great things about him. We’d like to thank his doctors, who took great care of him. We’d like to thank the Toronto Maple Leafs and his KHL – Salavat Yulayev Ufa team. Both did everything possible to help in any way, do whatever was necessary for Rodion and the Amirov family. And we’d like to thank hockey fans all over the world who sent notes of encouragement and best wishes over the past two years. They meant so much to the Amirov family.”
Born in Salavat, Russia, Amirov developed through the Yulayev Ufa system, culminating in a strong draft year in 2019-20. There, he registered two assists through 21 KHL games during his first pro experience and excelled in the Russian junior circuit, scoring 22 points in 17 games for Salavat’s MHL affiliate, Tolpar Ufa. It culminated in a first-round selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, and Toronto took him off the draft board with the 15th overall pick. He gained a more extensive KHL role the following season, scoring nine goals, four assists and 13 points in 39 games for Ufa in 2020-21. He also was named to Russia’s roster for the 2021 World Juniors, where he served as an alternate captain and led the team in scoring with six points in seven games. After the strong post-draft showing, Toronto signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract the following summer.
After playing ten games with Salavat to open the 2021-22 campaign, however, Amirov sustained an unrelated injury, and he developed further symptoms during the recovery period. The Maple Leafs then announced in February 2022 that Amirov had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, ending his season as he underwent treatment in Germany.
Amirov then recovered enough to travel to Toronto for last season’s Hockey Fights Cancer night in November, appearing during the pre-game ceremonies. Unfortunately, after the event, Amirov had to pause training and undergo additional treatments. He had been working out that summer with both Salavat and Toronto, aiming to return to play sometime during 2022-23 – a true testament to the positive outlook Milstein referenced in his statement.
We at PHR are incredibly saddened by this news and extend our deepest condolences to the Amirov family and anyone inside or outside the hockey community affected by cancer.
Rest in peace young man. Your courage will live on to inspire others.
May he RIP. What a terrible thing to happen to this young man
How terribly sad….Reading this is a reminder that we shouldn’t complain about the small challenges life throws at us sometimes.
pretty sad, he was a promising prospect and had plenty of potential to be a solid NHLer. R.I.P
My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Terrible news. So young. Condolences to his family :(
This is awful. I had so hoped he had conquered this and was going to live his dream of playing in the NHL. RIP, Rodion, your courage was inspiring. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Sad to hear especially after last month when his khl team announced he was doing better. RIP Rodion you’ll be missed
Wow what a shame. I was optimistic for him upon hearing he was resuming work outs I was hoping he was getting healthier.
21 years old, life is so fragile. Thoughts go out to his family. RIP
Just awful. RIP, kid.
In different health circumstances, I think back years ago with Alexei Cherepanov. RIP.
taken way too soon, way too young, RIP Rodion
He fought and battled and even when things got grim he always kept a smile on. Thoughts and prayers for his family <3
Live everyday , like it’s your last, because it could be, RIP young man