Yesterday afternoon, the hockey world was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov following a nearly two-year long battle with a brain tumor. The news was sadly passed along via statement from his agent Dan Milstein.
The 21-year-old was drafted by the Leafs in the first round of the 2020 draft and remained positive and optimistic about being able to beat cancer and resume his hockey career all throughout his battle with the deadly disease. Amirov was admired by those around him for his positive demeanor. He tried to live his life with joy no matter how tough things got and remained hopeful that he would one day realize his dream of playing in the NHL.
The Leafs, along with his KHL team, Salavat Yulayev, did everything they could to help Amirov battle the tumor and at one point Amirov was well enough to join his teammates for a couple of skates and visit Toronto to be a part of last season's home opening pre-game ceremony.
As the hockey community as a whole mourns the loss of a young player who was taken way too soon, memorials have begun to form outside of the Ufa-Arena stadium in Bashkortostan, decorated with his jerseys, photos, flowers, stuffed animals and team apparel. It goes to show just how loved Amirov was in his community and how many lives he touched.
Many players, journalists, executives, fans and other people within the hockey community, world wide, have taken to social media to offer their thoughts, prayers and condolences to Rodion's family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.
