Amirov dies at 21, was Maple Leafs prospect

Rodion Amirov, a Toronto Maple Leafs forward prospect, died from a brain tumor Monday. He was 21.

Amirov, who was the No. 15 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, was diagnosed in February 2022. He played for Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League in the 2021-22 season, when he had three points (one goal, two assists) in 10 games before sustaining an injury.

While recovering, he developed unrelated symptoms before it was discovered that he had a brain tumor.

"The entire Maple Leafs organization is devastated by this tragic loss," Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said. "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. It's incredibly sad to see a young man with so much promise taken from us so soon. We offer our deepest condolences to Rodion's family and friends as we mourn this loss together."

Amirov was recognized by the Maple Leafs during their Hockey Fights Cancer night in November after he had recently completed his fourth round of chemotherapy. At the time, he was home in Russia, continuing his recovery.

"It hits a little bit differently with our connection with Rodion Amirov and his fight that he's in," Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said about Hockey Fights Cancer night at the time. "You talk about competing, here's a guy who has been through four rounds of chemo to be here and still a big smile on his face in the facility every single day."

Amirov spent a few weeks around the Maple Leafs in October 2022. He was included in the pregame introductions for their regular-season home opener against the Washington Capitals, standing behind the bench alongside other players who were on injured reserve at the time, and was announced to the crowd.

"I am really appreciative of meeting with him," Maple Leafs goalie and fellow Russian Ilya Samsonov said in November. "He's an awesome guy, he's so positive. When he's come, he's brought a lot of positive to our team. He's tried to speak with all our teammates to say, 'Hi, how are you?' His English [is] not so great but he's tried talking with everybody."

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas was the Maple Leafs GM who drafted Rodion.

"Personally, I am so sad for the loss of such a wonderful young man with so much potential," Dubas said. "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 signed his entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs on April 15, 2021. He had 13 points (nine goals, four assists) in 39 games for Salavat as a 19-year-old to rank third among under-20 skaters in the KHL. He also played nine playoff games that season.

"It's incredibly hard to comprehend the loss of Rodion," Maple Leafs captain John Tavares said on social media Monday. "His smile and joy for life and hockey was infectious. My teammates and I are grateful for our time spent with him and forever inspired by his courageous fight. Condolences to his loved ones. We'll miss him dearly."

Internationally, Amirov was an alternate captain for Russia at the 2021 World Junior Championship and had six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games to help Russia finish fourth. He won a silver medal with Russia at the 2019 World Under-18 Championship, when he had nine points (six goals, three assists) in seven games.

"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," Rodion's agent Dan 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 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."