Rodion Amirov, 21, died on August 14 after a brain cancer attacked the NHL player, who was the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-round draft pick in 2020.
Amirov, who was born in Russia, was diagnosed with a brain cancer in February 2022 while still playing in his home country. His agent, Daniel Milstein, informed him of the bad news.
Hockey was the sport that stayed with Rodion since he was a child, and he excelled as a Russian prospect before going on to play internationally, where he won a silver medal with the national team in the Under-18 Hockey World Cup.
His professional career was steadily improving until he reached the NHL Draft in 2020, where he was taken in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He was traded to Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League.
He was never able to make his NHL debut, but he did travel to Toronto to watch a game versus Washington and was praised by people in attendance, who were aware of the player’s precarious condition.
As part of his recuperation, he had four chemotherapies in Toronto.
“The entire Maple Leafs organization is devastated by this tragic loss,” Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan declared.
“Rodion’s positive attitude encouraged everyone around him throughout his valiant battle, and his brief visits to Toronto left an indelible mark on our team and fans.
“It’s heartbreaking to see a young man with so much potential snatched from us so soon. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Rodion’s family and friends as we grieve his loss together.”
