"There are many other people that have their own sicknesses or illnesses," Amirov told Sportsnet in remarks translated by his agent, Dan Milstein. "I want to show by example that I can give people hope. I want to stay positive, and I want people to think positively about me. They can see what I am doing, they hopefully take some positives. I am positive. I want to feel that I can play in the best hockey league in the world."
Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said Wednesday the 20-year-old is out for the season. Amirov, who was selected by Toronto with the No. 15 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, was injured 10 games into his third season with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League and developed unrelated symptoms that required extensive examinations the past few months.
"Our medical staff has been involved throughout the process alongside Ufa's and we are in direct contact with the facility on an ongoing basis to monitor his treatment and care," Dubas said. "Rodion has the complete support of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and we will continue to ensure he receives the best care possible throughout this process.
"Out of respect for Rodion and his family, the club will not have any further comment at this time."
The Maple Leafs made a video message of support for Amirov.
"I can't imagine, now being a parent too, I think just a different level of perspective on it," Toronto captain John Tavares said Thursday. "We heard about it right after the game (a 4-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday). The result of that didn't go our way and everything just kind of shifted and focused on hearing that news and hoping the best for him and thinking the world of him. He's deeply with us in our thoughts and wish him the best and know he's fighting hard and doing a great job of staying upbeat and positive and working toward that. He's skating still, and I think that just shows the determination that he has to continue on and just get back to what he loves to do."
Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said, "It was nice of John to take the lead on that. Obviously our thoughts are with Rodion and his family. We're offering and providing the support that we can, and perhaps the greatest news of all was just reading some of the things that came out yesterday, the support of our fans and the hockey community are with him but also the attitude he is taking in this to set an example for others who are going through things."
Amirov signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs on April 15. He scored three points (one goal, two assists) in 10 games with Salavat. Last season, he scored 13 points (nine goals, four assists) in 39 KHL games, and after his KHL season ended he skated with the Maple Leafs taxi squad.
"First, we would like to thank both the Maple Leafs and his KHL team, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, for their incredible support," Milstein said. "Rodion and his family are currently in Germany as he undergoes treatment. He is skating three times per week and working out every day. Rodion is in good spirits and is determined to return to professional hockey.
"Rodion Amirov was 16 when we first met. In the past month, I've seen how he's even more impressive off the ice as he is on it. Supported by two first-class organizations, we will do everything we can to help Rodion and his family during this challenging time."
