NHL Prospect Rodion Amirov Dies at 21; Was Diagnosed With Brain Tumor

Former Toronto Maple Leafs first-round pick Rodion Amirov has died at the age of 21.

Amirov's agent, Dan Milstein, announced his death Monday and said he was diagnosed with a brain tumor "two years ago." The Maple Leafs released a statement saying they are "devastated by this tragic loss."

"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."

A native of Russia, Amirov starred for Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the KHL before Toronto selected him 15th overall in the 2020 NHL draft. His nine goals and 13 points ranked third among under-20 skaters in the KHL during the 2020-21 season, according to the Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs announced on April 15, 2021, that they signed Amirov to a three-year, entry-level contract and he would be moving to Canada to join the team's Toronto Marlies AHL affiliate. Less than a year later, Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas announced on Feb. 23, 2022, that the left wing prospect was diagnosed with cancer. Later that year, Amirov returned home to Russia to continue undergoing treatment.

"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," Milstein added. "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."