Maple Leafs Prospect Rodion Amirov Dead at 21

Andy Devlin/Reuters

On Monday, the hockey world experienced a tragic loss. Rodion Amirov, a former first-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, died. Amirov, 21, had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in February 2022.

Amirov was the fifteenth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. The Russian native was a highly skilled forward with all the makings of becoming a productive, scoring NHL winger in the years to come. He last played with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL in Russia in the 2021-22 season, prior to his diagnosis.

Amirov’s death was announced by his agent, Dan Milstein, early Monday. Earlier this year, Amirov had his loan extended for this upcoming season from the Maple Leafs to his hometown KHL team.

During their home opener of the 2022-23 season, the Maple Leafs flew Amirov in to experience the game in Toronto. The team gave him the full experience, as though he was also playing in the game. Amirov stood on the bench, with the spotlight on him, as the public address announcer called his name through the speakers of Scotiabank Arena. Amirov’s smile radiated his joyfulness in that moment, as he acknowledged Leafs Nation with a shy, yet appreciative wave.

Members all across the hockey and Maple Leafs community released statements regarding Amirov’s passing, including team captain John Tavares.

“It’s incredibly hard to comprehend the loss of Rodion. 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.”

Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan also released a statement.

“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. 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.”

Kyle Dubas, the general manager of the Maple Leafs when the team drafted Amirov, and current Pittsburgh Penguins general manager also released a statement.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the Toronto Maple Leafs and the entire hockey community in mourning the loss of Rodion Amirov. Our thoughts and whole heart are with his parents and family. Their optimism and amazing outlook on life throughout Rodion’s battle were unwavering and incredible. Personally, I am so sad for the loss of such a wonderful young man with so much potential. 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 would’ve turned 22 in October. May he rest in peace.