Maple Leafs Prospect Rodion Amirov Dead at 21 After Doctors Did ‘Everything Possible’ for Brain Tumor
Rodion Amirov died in Germany, two years after he was first diagnosed with a brain tumor
SAD NEWS: An icon has falling,Maple Leafs Prospect found dead after being diagnosed. He was 21 years old.
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“Over the duration of his courageous battle, Rodion’s positively inspired everyone around him and made lasting impressions with our team and fans in his brief visits to Toronto,” team president Brendan Shanahan said, according to the Associated Press. “It’s incredibly sad to see a young man with so much promise taken from us so soon.”
NHL agent Daniel Milstein, who represented Amirov, confirmed that his client died Monday in Munich, Germany, where he had been undergoing treatment for his brain tumor, AP reports.
“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 in a message posted to social media in both English and Russian.
“We will always remember his courage, his desire, his will, his smile, all of the great things about him,” Milstein added before thanking the medical professionals who took care of Amirov, as well as the Maple Leafs and team Salavat Yulaev Ufa of Europe and Asia’s Kontinental Hockey League, who “did everything possible to help in any way.”
Following the tragic announcement of Amirov’s death, several NHL teams and athletes shared well wishes to Amirov’s loved ones.
“Extending our sincerest sympathies to Rodion’s family, friends, and the Maple Leafs’ community 💙🤍,” the Winnipeg Jets posted to the Maple Leafs’ official Instagram page.
“It’s incredibly hard to comprehend the loss of Rodion,” Toronto team captain John Tavares posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. “His smile and joy for life & hockey were infectious. My teammates & I are grateful for our time spent with him & forever inspired by his courageous fight. Condolences to his loved ones. We’ll miss him dearly. #RodionForever.”
Hailing from Salavat, Russia, Amirov had played in the Kontinental Hockey League with his local team Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the 2019–2020 season. The Maple Leafs selected Amirov as the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, where he received a three-year entry-level contract.
