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Rodion Amirov, a former first-round pick and top Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, has died at age 21. Amirov was diagnosed with a brain tumor in February 2022.
Amirov’s death was confirmed by his agent.
“It is we great sadness that we announce the passing of Rodion Amirov. Two years ago, Rodion was diagnosed with a brain tumor,” agent Daniel Milstein wrote in a statement.
“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.”
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 14, 2023
The left winger was the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. He had been playing on loan in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League for Salavat Yulaev Ufa when he was diagnosed during treatment for an unrelated injury.
“The entire Maple Leafs organization is devastated by this tragic loss. 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,” Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan wrote in a statement.
“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.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Amirov’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and challenging time.
